Lithuania lacks clear stance on US military support, says former foreign minister

Lithuania is perceived by its allies as lacking a coherent position on potential contributions to US-led missions in the Middle East, former foreign minister Gabrielius Landsbergis said on Friday.

Speaking to LRT Radijas, Landsbergis argued that Lithuania’s inconsistent internal debate sends unclear signals not only to the United States but also to European partners such as Germany.

“Allies primarily see us as a country that does not have clear, coherent, or understandable information,” he said. “I believe we lose more by not formulating a clear position on what Lithuania is prepared to do, when, and whether we should coordinate with Estonia or propose a joint statement from all three Baltic states.”

Landsbergis suggested that this ambiguity weakens Lithuania’s position with both Washington and its European allies. “Our incoherent internal discussion sends no targeted message to the Americans or to our closest partners. Even the Germans might raise their eyebrows and ask: what exactly are you trying to achieve? We end up losing on both fronts.”

Tensions in the Middle East have escalated since late February, when Iran began blocking the Strait of Hormuz—a critical chokepoint for global oil and gas transit. Iran has also targeted oil infrastructure and tankers in the Persian Gulf, driving up fuel prices. US President Donald Trump has repeatedly criticised allies for failing to deploy naval vessels to escort tankers through the strait, calling their inaction a “very stupid mistake.”