NATO chief says Strait of Hormuz navigation concerns allies, not alliance itself

NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte has stated that freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz is a concern for all NATO allies, though “maybe not for NATO as an alliance.”

Speaking ahead of a NATO meeting in Helsingborg, Sweden, Rutte also welcomed US President Donald Trump’s decision to deploy 5,000 American troops to Poland, according to Reuters, as reported by Iran International.

He said the United States would continue to play a central role in Europe’s nuclear and conventional defence, but added that European allies would need to gradually assume greater responsibility.

“Let’s be clear: the trajectory we are on – which is a stronger Europe and a stronger NATO, making sure we will over time, step by step, be less reliant on one ally only ... will continue,” Rutte told reporters.

Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna said decisions on US troop levels in Europe ultimately rest with Washington, but stressed that it was evident Europe must take on a larger share of defence responsibilities.

By Bakhtiyar Abbasov