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Donald Trump expects a concrete plan in the near future to ensure safe navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.
NATO allies have stated that they do not plan to join Trump’s initiative to blockade Iranian ports, according to Reuters.
This position could provoke a sharp reaction from Trump and further increase tensions within the Alliance. Initially, he said the US would act together with other countries to restrict shipping through the strait. Later, US officials clarified that the measures would apply only to vessels heading to or leaving Iranian ports.
“The blockade will begin soon. Other countries will join,” Trump wrote on Truth Social.
NATO response
Allies, including United Kingdom and France, said they do not intend to participate in the blockade. Instead, they are focusing on restoring safe navigation through the strait, which normally handles about one-fifth of global oil supplies.
“We do not support the blockade. My decision is clear—despite strong pressure, we will not allow ourselves to be drawn into war,” said UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
Reuters reports that the refusal of allies to participate has become another source of tension in relations with Trump, who has previously threatened to withdraw from NATO and considered pulling US troops out of Europe.
NATO discussions and possible mission
According to diplomats, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte informed European governments that Trump expects clear commitments on securing the Strait of Hormuz.
Rutte noted that NATO could become involved if all 32 member states agree on a joint mission.
Meanwhile, French President Emmanuel Macron said that France, together with the UK and other countries, plans to organize a conference to create a multinational mission aimed at restoring navigation in the strait.
He stressed that the mission would be purely defensive, not aligned with any side in the conflict, and would be deployed once conditions allow.
Starmer added that the initiative is focused on setting rules for safe passage and coordinating naval escorts for tankers after the conflict ends.
Broader international involvement
A French diplomatic source said that a preparatory meeting involving around 30 countries—including Gulf states, India, Greece, Spain, Italy, the Netherlands, and Sweden—could take place as early as April 16 in Paris or London.
However, another European source expressed doubts that Trump would support such a mission after ordering the blockade, suggesting he may prefer to use the situation as leverage.
Earlier, Spain’s Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares stated that ensuring safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz is not within NATO’s mandate and emphasized that the Middle East is outside the Alliance’s area of responsibility.
