EU countries and UK respond in unison: Not our war

Kallas is trying to chart a wholly European middle ground that, while not outright fulfilling Trump's demands, still takes them into consideration.

After a chorus of negative responses from Australia to Japan, it was now Europe's turn to say no to Trump, determined not to be dragged into a conflict that – to quote High Representative Kaja Kallas – “is not Europe's war.”

European Union countries and the United Kingdom are collectively rejecting Donald Trump's demands to use force to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and ensure free passage for ships carrying gas and oil. They are also rejecting the possibility of a NATO mission in the region, pushing back against the tycoon's threats of a “bleak future” for the Atlantic pact if the partners in the alliance fail to join in.

His demands were thus met with a double no, with undertones of unity across the Old Continent for once. Leading the “revolt” is Berlin, which is abandoning the policy of appeasement pursued by Chancellor Friedrich Merz ever since the still-unresolved tariff dispute. “I don't see that NATO has made any decision in this direction or could assume responsibility........

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