22 Countries, Including NATO Members, Offer Conditional Support for Strait of Hormuz Security
In a video interview with Fox News on the 22nd, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte stated that 22 countries—including several NATO members—are united in responding to the U.S. President’s call to ensure uninterrupted passage through the Strait of Hormuz. However, during this Fox News interview, Rutte did not specify when or under what conditions these nations would participate in efforts to secure maritime safety in the strait.
The joint military operation launched by the United States and Israel against Iran has now entered its fourth week. Iran’s continued attempts to blockade the Strait of Hormuz have heightened global concerns over an energy supply crisis. On the 22nd, U.S. President Trump threatened that if Iran does not immediately reopen the strait, the United States will destroy all of Iran’s power plants. In response, Iranian authorities countered the U.S. ultimatum—set to expire at midnight on the 23rd—by stating that if such action is taken, Iran will deploy mines in the Persian Gulf.
More than 20 days into this military operation, safe navigation through the Strait of Hormuz has become a central point of contention between both sides. Prior to the war, nearly 20% of the world’s oil and gas passed through this strait. Since the conflict began, cargo vessel traffic has significantly declined. According to data from maritime analytics firm Kpler, freight volume dropped by as much as 95% between March 1 and March 19. Vessels still able to pass include mainly Iranian ships, along with numerous Chinese freighters.
Blockages in the Strait of Hormuz have caused persistent increases in international oil and gas prices. Days ago, U.S. President Trump called on multiple countries, including China, to join efforts to guarantee safe passage through the strait—but received little response. This lack of support has deeply frustrated the U.S. President.
The stance expressed by NATO Secretary General Rutte during his remote interview with Fox News on the 22nd appears clearly aimed at addressing this situation. In the interview, Rutte acknowledged the U.S. President’s frustration and confirmed that 22 countries are already willing to respond to Trump’s appeal and contribute to the security of the Strait of Hormuz. Most of these countries are NATO members, but the group also includes South Korea, Japan, Australia, and others. However, the NATO secretary general did not clarify the specific nature of these countries’ cooperative commitments.
After the U.S. President appealed to allies and partner nations, several European countries—including France, Germany, and the United Kingdom—have expressed varying positions in different forms, emphasizing that this is not their war. Although French President Macron said he was willing to participate in related efforts, he stressed that such involvement would only occur after active combat ends.
Britain, France, Germany, and Italy further emphasized that any effort must take place only after a ceasefire. Their joint statement condemned Iran’s attacks on Gulf energy infrastructure and urged immediate cessation of strikes targeting civilian infrastructure in the region, particularly oil and gas facilities.
Source: rfi
Original: toutiao.com/article/1860470828243968/
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