/Reuters Agency
Europe should keep an open mind regarding helping to guarantee freedom of navigation for maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz, even if the continent did not support the United States and Israel’s decision to go to war with Iran, according to a proposal by Denmark’s Minister of Foreign Affairs.
U.S. President Donald Trump recently stated that his administration was talking with several countries about protecting ships in the maritime route, which Tehran has largely blocked to tanker traffic.
“We must face the world as it is, not as we want it to be,” Denmark’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Lars Lokke Rasmussen, told journalists before talks in Brussels with his European Union (EU) counterparts. The issue could also be raised at a European summit later this week.
“Even though we do not like what is happening, I think it is sensible to keep an open mind about whether Europe in some way can contribute, but with a view to de-escalation,” he added.
The Danish authority noted that it has not yet received any request for help from the United States.
Denmark, home to the container shipping company Maersk and other maritime groups, in 2024 sent a frigate to the Red Sea to participate in a U.S.-led coalition aimed at protecting maritime traffic from attacks by Yemen’s Houthi militants.
“Denmark is a maritime nation and we have every interest in ensuring free navigation,” Rasmussen stated.
“As the small country we are, but a great maritime nation, we must remain open to this question,” he added.
Denmark has previously assisted when the United States sought partners for military operations in the Middle East, but relations have deteriorated due to Trump’s repeated demands for Washington to have control over Greenland.
