NATO Allies Refuse to Join US Blockade Plan in Strait of Hormuz

NATO Allies Refuse to Join US Blockade Plan in Strait of Hormuz

Brussels, Apr 14 (VoM News): Amid the ongoing conflict with Iran, the United States faced a major setback after key NATO allies decided not to participate in a proposed United States-led blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, deepening divisions within the alliance.

Following the failed negotiations, United States President Donald Trump announced plans to block maritime traffic linked to Iranian ports.

While Washington signalled that other countries would join the effort as expected, it faced a setback when major allies, including the United Kingdom and France, made it clear they would not be drawn into the blockade.

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Despite considerable pressure, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said his government would avoid direct involvement in the conflict.

“We’re not getting dragged into the war,” Starmer said, underlining the UK’s position that the focus should remain on reopening the waterway through diplomatic means.

The Strait of Hormuz, a crucial global shipping route that typically carries about one-fifth of the world’s oil supply, has remained largely disrupted since the conflict began on February 28.

France, meanwhile, signalled support for a separate international effort.

As consensus has not emerged so far, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte has urged member states to consider commitments to secure the strait.

Diplomatic tensions within the alliance have been rising, with reports that the US is reconsidering its troop presence in Europe after some countries declined to support its military operations against Iran.

Officials in Europe have indicated they are open to contributing to maritime security in the region, but only after a ceasefire is firmly in place and guarantees are secured from Iran.

Meanwhile, Hakan Fidan called for a diplomatic solution, warning that forming an international force in the current situation would be complex.