Criticised by Trump, NATO Seeks to Reopen Strait of Hormuz

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte stated that NATO allies are collectively discussing how the Strait of Hormuz can be reopened. “We all certainly agree that trade must be reopened. And what I know is that allies are working together, discussing how to do it. They are collectively striving to find a way out,” Rutte told reporters during his visit to Norway. The statement was made a few hours after US President Donald Trump criticised NATO countries for refusing to send their navies to the Strait of Hormuz. Merz also reaffirmed his refusal to send German warships to the Strait of Hormuz. Donald Trump stated that the US does not need allied assistance to secure the Strait of Hormuz. He claimed military success against Iran despite threats to global oil supplies from a blockade. President Emmanuel Macron denied Donald Trump’s claims. France confirmed it will not send warships to the Strait of Hormuz amid the 2026 Iran-US-Israel war. The US Navy is retiring minesweeper ships amid Iranian threats in the Strait of Hormuz. SAS cancelled over 130 flights in Norway due to a surge in aviation fuel prices resulting from tensions in the Strait of Hormuz. Worker unions highlighted staffing issues amid the energy crisis. Iran denied reports that Mojtaba Khamenei was evacuated to Russia for medical treatment. Meanwhile, high-ranking official Ali Larijani was confirmed dead due to an Israeli attack. Joe Kent resigned from his position as Director of the NCTC. He stated that the war with Iran was triggered by pressure from the Israeli lobby, not a real threat to the United States. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky urged Donald Trump and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer to meet immediately amid diplomatic tensions related to the Iran conflict. Plans for a state visit by King Charles III to the United States are at risk of cancellation. Tensions between Donald Trump and Prime Minister Keir Starmer are raising diplomatic concerns.