US expects Strait of Hormuz security to top NATO summit agenda

The Trump administration expects security in the Strait of Hormuz to be among the key issues discussed by NATO leaders during this week's summit in Ankara, Türkiye, a senior US official said, CNN reports.

"I certainly believe that the Strait of Hormuz and the protection of the maritime traffic going through there is going to be a subject that comes up," the official said.

According to the official, several NATO allies have expressed a willingness to contribute to maritime security efforts in the strategically vital waterway. However, the official argued that many allies "don't have the necessary ships or assets to contribute to a meaningful maritime effort."

The official added that the administration's broader message to NATO partners remains centered on strengthening the alliance's military capabilities through increased defence spending.

"That's always the context that we're working at right now, as we press our allies to be more capable and invest in their own defence, and therefore the collective defence," the official said.

US President Donald Trump departed on July 6 night for the NATO summit in Ankara, where alliance leaders are set to discuss a range of security and defence issues.

By Vafa Guliyeva