NATO’s Rutte: Allies will find ‘way forward’ on Strait of Hormuz

BRUSSELS — NATO chief Mark Rutte on Thursday said he was “confident” allies would find a way to restart traffic through the Strait of Hormuz blocked by Iran after it was attacked by the U.S. and Israel.

“Allies … are intensely discussing amongst each other [and] with the United States … the best way forward to tackle this huge security issue,” Rutte told reporters in Brussels. “I’m confident that allies as always will do everything in support of our shared interest as we always do — so we will find a way forward.”

The U.S. president has called on European partners to help secure the trade artery — a request most have flatly rejected.

As a result, Donald Trump has slammed NATO allies, warning he could reconsider the U.S. role in the alliance, even while some members like Estonia have volunteered equipment. On Tuesday, the U.S. president claimed he no longer needed European support for the operation.

Rutte, who has previously come under fire for claiming Trump’s war has “widespread support” among allies, on Thursday again praised the U.S. for weakening Iran’s military, including its ballistic missile and potential nuclear capabilities.

“What the U.S. is doing at the moment is degrading that capability of Iran and I think that’s very important,” he said. “This is important for European security, for the Middle East, it is vital for Israel itself.”