European nations should provide frigates to escort ships through the Strait of Hormuz despite anger at Trump
Source: Eliot A. Cohen. "Send the Frigates - The Atlantic." May 11, 2026. www.theatlantic.com
The Gist
Even though Trump didn't consult Europe before starting this conflict with Iran, European countries should still send warships to help escort oil tankers through the Strait of Hormuz. Europe needs that oil route open more than America does, and Iran is a bigger long-term threat than Trump's bad behavior.
Conclusion
European nations should send frigates to help escort ships through the Strait of Hormuz, despite their justified anger at the Trump administration's unilateral actions
Premises
- All seafaring nations have a fundamental interest in maintaining freedom of navigation through international waterways like the Strait of Hormuz
- European and Asian nations have a greater economic interest in securing this strait than the United States, as the U.S. is a major oil and gas exporter
- Iran poses a greater long-term threat than Trump, with nuclear weapons development, regional subversion efforts, and missiles that can reach European capitals
- An enraged Trump will likely take more destructive actions against European allies if they don't cooperate, potentially damaging NATO
- The U.S. has already done the heavy lifting by clearing the strait, making European participation less risky and more strategically sound
- Modern strategic thinking requires moving beyond Cold War deterrence to actual willingness to use military force when necessary
- Iran has consistently shown that negotiations, sanctions, and limited strikes cannot stop its aggressive regional ambitions
Assumptions
- Freedom of navigation is a fundamental principle that must be defended
- Iran will continue its aggressive policies regardless of diplomatic efforts
- Trump's unpredictable nature makes managing the relationship through cooperation preferable to confrontation
- Military deterrence alone is insufficient in the current global environment
- European economic interests outweigh their political grievances with Trump