NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte has informed some European capitals that US President Donald Trump wants concrete commitments in the coming days to help secure the Strait of Hormuz, two European diplomats told Reuters.
Rutte met Trump in Washington on Wednesday, amid growing tensions within the alliance over the war with Iran.
– We notice the frustration in Washington, but they did not consult the allies either before or after the start of this war – said one of the diplomats.
Diplomats emphasize that NATO as an organization would not have a direct role in the war against Iran, but that the allies want to help in long-term solutions for the security of the Strait of Hormuz, especially while the negotiations with Iran are ongoing.
Trump has repeatedly called NATO a “paper tiger” and in recent weeks has threatened to withdraw the US from the alliance, arguing that European allies are too dependent on US security protection and not enough to support US-Israeli operations against Iran.
Although Trump said on Tuesday that attacks on Iran would be paused during the two-week truce, the fallout from the conflict continues to strain relations within the alliance.
After the meeting, Trump wrote on the Truth Social platform: “NATO was not there when we needed it, and it will not be there if we need it again.”
Rutte, who is known in Europe as the “Trump whisperer”, told CNN that Trump is “obviously disappointed with many NATO allies” and added: “I can understand his position.”
The UK is leading a group of around 40 countries working on a military and diplomatic plan to reopen and secure the Strait of Hormuz, but so far there is no sign of a quick fix.
The President of France, Emmanuel Macron, said that about 15 countries plan to help restore maritime traffic through the strait.
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot said the strait would not be fully opened without a permanent agreement between the US and Iran, while Italy and the United Kingdom said Iran’s proposal to charge for passage through the strait was unacceptable.
– We know about the urgency on the American side and we know that Rutte is trying to take a position that would be useful in those talks – said one diplomat, adding that the key is to create the right conditions, not just complying with US demands.
(Vijesti.ba)
