NATO ready for a mission in the Strait of Hormuz

“If NATO can help, then obviously there’s no reason not to do so,” Rutte said during an address in Washington, Reuters reports.

He stated that member states are doing everything that U.S. President Donald Trump requested to strengthen the military alliance, although some were initially “a bit slow” in providing support during the U.S.-Iran tensions.

“When it came time to provide the logistical and other support the United States requested regarding Iran, some allies were, to put it mildly, a little slow. Truth be told, they were also somewhat surprised. To maintain the element of surprise for the initial strikes, President Trump decided not to inform allies in advance,” Rutte said during his speech in Washington.

He added, however, that he now sees strong support across Europe.

“What I see today across Europe is that allies are providing a huge amount of support,” Rutte said.

He noted that, almost without exception, allies are doing everything the United States asks.

“They have heard President Trump’s requests and are responding to them,” Rutte added.

Trump expects concrete steps

Rutte’s statements came after a meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump on Wednesday.

According to diplomats speaking to Reuters, he informed some capitals that Trump expects concrete commitments from allies in the coming days regarding securing the Strait of Hormuz.

Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Said Hatibzadeh stated earlier today that the Strait of Hormuz is open, emphasizing that Iran is committed to peace in the Middle East but remains skeptical of the “other side.”

“The Strait of Hormuz is open. Any civilian vessel can pass following guidance from Iranian authorities. This guidance is necessary because, as part of this conflict, Iran mined a key shipping route, and those mines remain,” he told ITV.

He added that Iranians have maps and coordinates for safe passage.