NATO's SACEUR: No Current Planning for Strait of Hormuz Mission

(CNA Brussels, 19th, Comprehensive Foreign Report) Some member countries of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) have suggested that NATO could perhaps play a role in the Strait of Hormuz; however, NATO's Supreme Allied Commander Europe, Alexus Grynkewich, stated today that NATO is not currently conducting any planning for a possible mission. According to Reuters, citing diplomats, any decision to launch a mission would require unanimous agreement among NATO's 32 member states, and several have already voiced opposition, although no formal proposal has been submitted. U.S. Air Force General Alexus Grynkewich, who serves as NATO's Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR), stated, "Whether NATO would consider operating in the Strait of Hormuz is ultimately a political decision." He told media in Brussels, "There has to be a political instruction first, and then formal planning would follow. Am I thinking about it? Sure... but planning happens after a political decision is made." After the United States and Israel launched a military operation against Iran in late February of this year, Iran began to blockade the Strait of Hormuz. This action led to soaring oil prices, increased shipping costs, and impacted the supply of raw materials. U.S. President Trump criticized NATO allies for their reluctance to help open the Strait of Hormuz. Meanwhile, many European countries stated they did not want to be drawn into a war that was launched without consultation, but expressed willingness to help secure the Strait of Hormuz post-war. Several unnamed diplomats said that even if NATO does not lead a related mission, some countries believe NATO could still play a role, but many other countries have expressed opposition or reservations about NATO's involvement. One diplomat said, "My understanding is the key reason is they do not want to be seen as party to the conflict."