NATO Reiterates Defensive Stance on Strait of Hormuz, Rules Out War Involvement

According to the International Desk of Webangah News Agency, the Junior Minister of Foreign Affairs of Belgium, in an interview with Al Jazeera, declared that NATO‘s measures regarding the Strait of Hormuz are based on a defensive position and that the alliance will not engage in war. He indicated that there is no basis for NATO intervention in the Strait of Hormuz, stating, “We are preparing to dispatch minesweeping ships to the Strait of Hormuz.” The Belgian minister further emphasized Belgium’s willingness to assist in maintaining freedom of navigation within the coalition formed by France and Britain. He alleged that Iran exhibits inappropriate behavior through the development of its nuclear and missile programs. The European official, referencing developments in the Strait of Hormuz, noted that NATO is pursuing plans and initiatives concerning this strategic waterway concurrently with Washington’s initiatives. He stated that Belgium is participating in the implementation of a memorandum of understanding between Washington and Tehran aimed at ensuring shipping security in the Strait of Hormuz. Regarding relations between the United States and its European allies, he commented that Trump has expressed disappointment with his European partners, and they, in turn, have expressed disappointment with Trump. The increase in defense budgets of NATO member states is deemed essential to counter existing threats, and Belgium is accelerating its defense spending increase to reach 2% of its GDP. The Junior Minister of Foreign Affairs of Belgium also stressed that maintaining NATO unity and strengthening the alliance’s deterrence capability are of paramount importance.