DID Press: NATO members have rejected a proposal by the United States to impose a blockade on Iranian ports, stating they would only consider involvement after the end of hostilities, a move that highlights growing friction between Washington and its allies.
Following the collapse of weekend negotiations aimed at ending six weeks of conflict involving Iran, the United States announced that its forces would target any Iranian vessel approaching the designated blockade zone, which reportedly began on Monday.
European NATO members, including United Kingdom and France, have refused to participate, citing the need to avoid further escalation. The British Prime Minister emphasized that the UK would neither join military action against Iran nor participate in a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.
Meanwhile, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization leadership stated that any operational role in the Strait of Hormuz would require unanimous agreement among all 32 member states.
The White House has reportedly warned of potential withdrawal from NATO and partial troop reductions in Europe if disagreements continue. In response, European states signaled willingness to consider post-conflict maritime security arrangements, provided guarantees are obtained regarding the safety of shipping lanes.
Spain and Turkey also stressed that NATO has no mandate to intervene in the ongoing conflict, with several member states reiterating that the alliance has no obligation to support US or Israeli military actions against Iran.
France and the UK are reportedly planning a separate meeting with interested countries to explore a “purely defensive” maritime mission aimed at securing shipping routes and coordinating tanker escorts once conditions stabilize.