Oslo: NATO allies are coordinating efforts to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, Secretary General Mark Rutte said during a visit to Norway. He emphasized that member countries are discussing strategies to safely restore passage through the strategically vital waterway, crucial for global oil and liquefied natural gas shipments. The announcement comes amid heightened tensions in the Gulf after Iran closed the strait during its ongoing conflict with the United States and Israel.
Rutte noted that he has been in contact with many allies, all agreeing on the importance of reopening the strait. NATO discussions focus on ensuring safe navigation for commercial shipping while avoiding further escalation in the region. The alliance is considering coordinated naval escorts and diplomatic measures to guarantee secure maritime traffic.
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The development follows a call by US President Donald Trump urging NATO allies to deploy warships to escort tanker convoys through the Strait of Hormuz. The strait accounts for a significant portion of the world’s oil exports, making its closure a critical threat to global energy markets.
Iran’s closure of the strait has already disrupted shipping and raised concerns over rising energy prices worldwide. NATO’s plan aims to safeguard international commerce, protect energy security, and reduce tensions between Gulf states, Iran, and Western powers amid ongoing military confrontations.
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Officials stressed that reopening the strait requires careful coordination among allies, with military, diplomatic, and logistical measures being evaluated. NATO continues to monitor developments closely, pledging a unified approach to maintaining freedom of navigation and regional stability in the Gulf.