NATO is currently considering ways to help ships navigate the blocked Strait of Hormuz if the waterway remains closed by early July. This information comes from a high-ranking official within the military alliance. Sev...
NATO is currently considering ways to help ships navigate the blocked Strait of Hormuz if the waterway remains closed by early July. This information comes from a high-ranking official within the military alliance.
Several NATO member countries support this idea, but it has not yet received the necessary unanimous agreement, according to a diplomat from one of the member nations. These officials spoke on condition of anonymity. NATO leaders are scheduled to meet in Ankara on July 7-8.
Alexus Grynkewich, NATO’s supreme allied commander for Europe, addressed this issue at a press conference on Tuesday. He stated, “The political direction comes first, and then the formal planning happens after that. Am I thinking about it? Absolutely.”
This potential action would mark a change in NATO’s strategy regarding the ongoing US-Israeli conflict in Iran. Until now, allies have maintained that their involvement in the Strait of Hormuz would only occur once hostilities cease and a broad coalition, including non-NATO countries, can be formed.
However, the economic situation is worsening, as the closure of the strait has caused energy prices to soar and growth predictions to decline.
It remains uncertain how NATO members could ensure safe passage for commercial ships through the strait. A recent attempt by the US to achieve this was quickly halted, despite Washington's strong military presence.
A spokesperson for NATO has not responded to requests for comments on this matter.
The Strait of Hormuz, which is crucial for transporting roughly one-fifth of the world's oil and liquefied natural gas, was initially blocked by Iran after the US and Israel began bombing the country in late February.
This closure has created tension between the US and its European NATO allies, who did not follow former President Donald Trump’s calls to assist in reopening the strait.
Trump has expressed frustration over this lack of action, and the US recently announced it would withdraw 5,000 troops from Germany.