NATO plans multinational action to keep Strait of Hormuz open

NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte appeared on "Fox News Sunday" to discuss President Donald Trump’s criticism of allies regarding efforts to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and address Iran’s growing threat.

Rutte acknowledged Trump’s frustration with the 32-country alliance over his push to get nations more involved in reopening the strategically vital waterway, which is crucial for oil exports and other goods.

“I know the president was angry because he feels that European and other allies have been too slow,” Rutte said.

The NATO chief highlighted the “good news” that more than 20 countries, most of them NATO members, were “coming together to implement his vision of making sure that the Strait of Hormuz is free.”

Rutte also noted that nations outside NATO joining the effort include Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand, the United Arab Emirates, and Bahrain.

“So we are now planning the military people and others amongst this group of 22 nations and with the U.S.,” Rutte said.

By Vafa Guliyeva