In the context of military tensions in the Middle East entering its second month, Washington's efforts to put pressure on European allies to participate in the war are facing many barriers. However, the naval strength of the "old continent" is still considered a key factor to ensure freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, thereby reducing the burden on US forces, according to The Japan Times on April 5.
Over the past time, US President Donald Trump has repeatedly attacked NATO allies, calling them "paper tigers" and skeptical about their willingness to fight. Historical reality shows the opposite.
Immediately after the event of the US being attacked by terrorists in 2001, European countries activated collective self-defense provisions, deploying fighter jets and warships to support Washington.
This closeness was maintained continuously for the next 2 decades on the battlefields of Afghanistan and Iraq. In the period 2009-2013, 50,000 European soldiers fought on the ground in Afghanistan. Countries such as Britain and Denmark recorded a casualty rate equivalent to US forces.
This force also played a key role in the intervention campaign in Libya in 2011, participating in the fight against Somali pirates and performing many complex tasks in the Balkans or Syria.
Currently, the views of European countries on Iran are different from those of the US and Israel. Although clearly aware of the threat from Tehran, they do not support launching a surprise military offensive campaign without making full use of diplomatic channels.
Nevertheless, senior continental defense officials have always affirmed their readiness to participate in missions to maintain and protect freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.
According to analysts, instead of continuing to force allies to participate in offensive campaigns, the White House should proactively propose that Europe support controlling the Persian Gulf.
In the context of the increasing risk of seawalls being blockaded by naval mines, this task is a top priority, although it may create a temporary defense gap in Europe itself.
In addition, Europe can mobilize two more standing naval groups to carry out the task of escorting oil tankers.
Typically, the operational group commanded by Spain, possessing 5 destroyers and frigates with guided missiles and private refueling ships. This force can completely receive logistical support along the route from Arab countries and US forces stationed in Bahrain.
The optimal option at this time is to form a maritime alliance, flexibly combined with a fleet of maritime patrol aircraft and elite naval special forces units.
