NATO MEMBERS PLAN HORMUZ MISSION WITHOUT OFFICIAL ALLIANCE INVOLVEMENT
NATO’s top commander has convened a videoconference with interested allies to discuss reopening the Strait of Hormuz. The meeting happened on August 19 at the chief of defence level. The goal is to secure freedom of navigation through the waterway.
The alliance is being careful. A spokesperson clarified this is not a NATO mission. The meeting was simply about facilitating contributions from individual members. NATO is using its ability to bring allies together without taking formal responsibility.
France and Britain are leading the push. They are building a coalition of about a dozen countries. The plan is to guarantee safe passage once tensions ease or the conflict is resolved.
Before February, the strait carried about a fifth of all traded oil. The waterway is now largely blocked. Iran controls the passage. Any long-term arrangement will ultimately require Iranian acquiescence.
The allies are pre-positioning assets. Demining capabilities are being prepared. European nations are getting ready to act. They are doing everything except admitting they are preparing for a military mission.
NATO is facilitating without committing. Allies are planning without leading. Everyone wants the strait open. No one wants to fight Iran for it.
If a coalition of a dozen countries moves to reopen the strait, what happens when Iran challenges them. And how long before NATO is forced to step in officially.