Spain's Foreign Affairs Minister, José Manuel Albares Bueno, stated that securing passage through the Strait of Hormuz is outside NATO's purview. His comments came after US President Donald Trump expressed frustration over the alliance's inaction concerning the vital shipping lane.
Albares emphasized that NATO has no involvement in the current situation, and allies have not been informed or consulted. He reiterated that the Middle East is not within NATO's sphere of action, a sentiment echoed by many allies. "NATO will not participate in this war," Albares declared.
This stance aligns with Spain's criticism of US intervention against Iran, which the country has termed a violation of international law. Spain had previously closed its airspace to American planes involved in the conflict.
Despite this, Spain did sign a joint leaders' statement pledging to "contribute to ensuring freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz." This occurs as NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte seeks to establish a special mission to guarantee safe passage through the Strait, which is currently under Iran's control.
The near-total closure of the Strait has disrupted global supply chains, increased energy prices, and trapped an estimated 2,000 ships and 20,000 seafarers in the Persian Gulf.
Trump has criticized NATO allies for their reluctance to deploy military assets to Hormuz. He has also revived threats to withdraw the US from the alliance. In response, Rutte met with Trump for a private discussion aimed at diffusing tensions.
A NATO mission would require consensus among its 32 member states. Opposition from Spain, and potentially others, would prevent such an initiative. Turkey's Trade Minister also indicated that NATO allies are not obligated to assist. While NATO's treaty focuses on North Atlantic territories, the organization has previously expanded its operations to regions like Afghanistan and Iraq.
Germany's Chancellor, Friedrich Merz, stated his country would assist in reopening Hormuz if an international mandate were in place. However, a UN Security Council resolution attempt was blocked by China and Russia.
The UK is forming a coalition of over 40 countries to restore freedom of navigation in the waterway, potentially bypassing NATO's framework. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer discussed the need for a plan to resume shipping with Trump, though details remain undisclosed.