NATO Discusses Military Intervention to Secure Strait of Hormuz... Summit Set for July

"Discussions Underway on Operations to Protect Merchant Ships"

"Plan Has Not Yet Received Unanimous Support"

Reuters Yonhap News

Bloomberg News reported on the 19th (local time), citing sources, that discussions on military intervention to secure the opening of the Strait of Hormuz have begun within the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), and that a summit is scheduled for early July.

According to Bloomberg, NATO is currently discussing options for military intervention to protect merchant ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz. A diplomat from a NATO member state told Bloomberg, "The plan has not yet received unanimous support," adding, "Leaders of NATO member states are scheduled to meet in Ankara, Türkiye, from July 7 to July 8 to discuss this issue."

Alexus Grynkewich, NATO Supreme Allied Commander Europe, also stated at a press conference on the 19th, "The political direction must be determined first, and then an official plan will be established," and when asked if he was considering the possibility, replied, "Of course." This suggests that NATO may take a more active role in ensuring the opening of the Strait of Hormuz in the future.

Until now, NATO member states have insisted that they would only intervene in the Strait of Hormuz once the war with Iran has ended and a broad international coalition, including non-NATO countries, is formed. However, as the war with Iran has become prolonged and Europe's energy supply issues have grown more severe, Bloomberg reported that a policy shift is underway.

Intense debate is still ongoing within NATO regarding military intervention in the Strait of Hormuz. A senior NATO official told Bloomberg, "Some allied countries continue to oppose authorizing a NATO joint mission for the Strait of Hormuz, as they are reluctant to become embroiled in the conflict. However, if the blockade continues, they are likely to lend their support."

It remains unclear how NATO member states would specifically guarantee the escort of merchant ships through the Strait of Hormuz. Although the United States also announced the Hormuz Liberation Project, it is currently on hold due to negotiations with Iran.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.