To ensure maritime traffic in the Persian Gulf, NATO is considering deploying a naval mission to the region, according to the “Handelsblatt’s” Thursday edition, citing European diplomats in Brussels. NATO circles suggest that organizing this as a NATO mission is advisable. Advantages of doing so include the participation of the United States and the opportunity for the alliance to prove its continued value to the U.S. The idea is that the mission could initially launch as a “coalition of the willing” and later be integrated into the alliance’s command structures at the NATO summit in Ankara in July.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte reportedly intends to meet with U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House on Wednesday, aiming to mediate ongoing disputes among allies regarding the conflict with Iran. Some sources within the alliance suggest that a potential NATO mission in the Strait of Hormuz might be the means to pacify Trump, especially given his recent threats to withdraw from NATO. According to the “Handelsblatt”, discussions about the naval deployment are still in a preliminary phase, with many aspects remaining unclear, particularly concerning the duration of the ceasefire. However, it is anticipated that talks about a potential deployment will gain momentum in the coming days.