Tankers sail in the Gulf, near the Strait of Hormuz. United Arab Emirates, March 11, 2026. REUTERS/Stringer/File Photo
When President Donald Trump asked countries to join a global effort against Iran and deploy ships to prise open the Strait of Hormuz, whose near closure has held the global economy in a vice, he was rebuffed by some of America's closest allies.
European leaders have refused to get involved directly in the US and Israeli military operation against Iran, wary of getting sucked into an unpredictable conflict which is unpopular with their own citizens and whose aims they do not fully understand.
In doing so, they are calculating that the benefits of staying on the sidelines outweigh the multiple risks to transatlantic ties that are already under severe strain.
Reuters One Essential Read is sent three days a week. Think your friend or colleague should know about us? Forward this newsletter to them. They can also sign up here.
Want to stop receiving this email? Unsubscribe here. To manage which newsletters you're signed up for, click here.
This email includes limited tracking for Reuters to understand whether you’ve engaged with its contents. For more information on how we process your personal information and your rights, please see our Privacy Statement.
Reuters Business is sent every weekday. Think your friend or colleague should know about us? Forward this newsletter to them. They can also sign up here.
Want to stop receiving this email? Unsubscribe here. To manage which newsletters you're signed up for, click here.
This email includes limited tracking for Reuters to understand whether you’ve engaged with its contents. For more information on how we process your personal information and your rights, please see our Privacy Statement.
