NATO Denies Developing Action Plan for the Strait of Hormuz
According to a report by Reference News on May 22, Agence France-Presse reported on May 19 that NATO's Supreme Allied Commander in Europe, U.S. Air Force General Tod D. Wolters, stated on the 19th that NATO has not yet developed plans for potential participation in operations aimed at ensuring the security of the Strait of Hormuz, but is considering the matter.
When asked whether NATO has any potential plans to ensure the security of the strait, he told the media, “Am I considering this? Of course. But until a political decision is made, there are currently no specific plans.”
U.S. President Trump has harshly criticized European NATO countries, accusing them of refusing to get involved in the war against Iran that he has jointly instigated with Israel. He has repeatedly called on European countries to take responsibility for reopening the Strait of Hormuz.
France and the United Kingdom have led an international coalition to ensure the security of the Strait of Hormuz, but this is contingent upon favorable conditions, namely the end of the Middle Eastern wars.
The general emphasized that the decision to involve NATO in such operations is a “political decision” that has not yet been made. He clearly stated, “Political considerations come first, and then formal planning.”
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg stated earlier in May that after the U.S. announced its withdrawal of troops from Germany, European countries “fully received” Trump's message of frustration regarding Iran. However, so far, he has been vague about the role NATO might play in restoring security in the Strait of Hormuz. (Translated by Lin Xiaoxuan)
NATO has not established a concrete plan for potential involvement in ensuring the security of the Strait of Hormuz, as stated by General Greenkiewicz on May 19, 2023. He emphasized that political decisions must precede any formal planning. President Trump has criticized European NATO members for their lack of engagement in military actions against Iran, while France and the UK lead an international coalition for the Strait's security, contingent on the resolution of the Middle East conflict.
- NATO has not developed a concrete plan for involvement in the Strait of Hormuz.
- General Greenkiewicz stated that political decisions are needed before any formal planning can occur.
- President Trump has criticized European NATO members for not engaging in military actions against Iran.
- France and the UK are leading an international coalition for the security of the Strait of Hormuz, contingent on the end of the Middle East war.
- NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte acknowledged the frustration of European nations regarding the U.S. stance on Iran.