Leaders seek a diplomatic solution despite US president’s threat of ‘a very bad future’ for NATO unless it provides warships

European countries have ruled out sending warships to the strait of Hormuz, despite threats from Donald Trump that NATO faces “a very bad future” if members fail to help reopen the vital waterway.

Germany ruled out participation in any military activity, including efforts to reopen the strait. “There was never a joint decision on whether to intervene. That is why the question of how Germany might contribute militarily does not arise. We will not do so,” the chancellor, Friedrich Merz, said.

He added: “This Iranian regime must come to an end,” but that “based on all the experience we have gained in previous years and decades, bombing it into submission is, in all likelihood, not the right approach.”