NATO chief Mark Rutte says that allies of the military alliance, which includes the US, were in discussions on the “best way” to open the Strait of Hormuz, through which a large chunk of the world’s oil supply normally passes. Iran has obstructed the strait amid the US-Israeli war with the Islamic Republic.
“I have been in contact with many allies. We all agree, of course, that strait has to open up again. And what I know is that allies are working together, discussing how to do that, what is the best way to do it,” Rutte tells a news conference during a visit to a NATO exercise in northern Norway.
US President Donald Trump has urged other global powers to send warships to escort convoys of tankers through the Strait of Hormuz, a vital waterway for the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas supplies. Earlier today, he posted an article on Truth Social headlined, “US allies need to get a grip — step up and help open the Strait of Hormuz.”
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Wednesday, March 18, 2026
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