NATO is ready to support a European-led effort to secure freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz following the US-Iran agreement aimed at ending months of conflict in the Middle East, Secretary General Mark Rutte said, signaling that the alliance is ready to step in if requested by participating nations.
Speaking ahead of a meeting of NATO defense ministers on Wednesday, Rutte said the alliance's involvement would depend on whether assistance is sought by countries already coordinating the initiative.
"Whether NATO will play a role there, yes or no. If helpful, of course, we will play a role, but if they can do it without us, also okay. So, we are always ready to help if so wanted," he said in response to a question from Anadolu.
His remarks come as Britain and France are showing their readiness for a multinational naval mission intended to facilitate the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, through which roughly one-fifth of global oil supplies pass.
Rutte said extensive military preparations had already been undertaken by European allies and partners over the past two months, with specialized capabilities moved closer to the region in anticipation of a potential stabilization effort.
"This is legally and literally speaking outside NATO territory, but it is absolutely clear that we have case United Kingdom and France are coordinating all of this," he said.
"We are really seeing massive pre-deployment of assets over the last two months by European allies and others close to theater, particularly when it comes, for example, to demining, radar, and other technologies necessary," he added.
According to Rutte, leaders attending the G7 summit in France have discussed how a broad coalition could help implement the commitments contained in the newly announced US-Iran agreement.
He said the leaders had a conversation on "what could this UK-French-led initiative, with so many countries involved, what they could do post this whole deal, which has been struck between the United States and Iran, to make sure that they help to deliver on this commitment of making sure that the freedom of navigation is fully restored."
"The good news is that these discussions are ongoing," Rutte said.
