Draft European naval mission to Hormuz and spikes Trump against NATO.
A joint initiative to protect navigation in the Seaway of Hormuz is being undertaken by France and the United Kingdom, the British Prime Minister Kir Starmer, following a teleconference in Paris and a joint press conference with French President Emanuel Macron.
The mission, which will be launched “as soon as conditions allow“, will be defensive in nature, with the main objectives of demilitarization and ensuring the safe passage of ships in the region.
As Starmer said, “Opening the Strait is a global necessity and a global responsibility. We must act to restore global energy and trade to free flow…”
Support from Italy and Germany
The Prime Minister of Italy, Giorgia Meloni, confirmed that her country will participate in the mission by providing “naval units” as part of the joint European effort.
Reciprocally, the Chancellor of Germany, Friedrich Murch, said Berlin is ready to contribute, provided there is a strong legal basis for the participation of the German armed forces.
Trump’s attack on NATO
At the same time, US President Donald Trump unleashed a new attack on NATO, rejecting the Alliance’s membership offer.
“I told them to stay away… They were useless when they needed to be – a paper tiger,” he said.
The US president claimed to have rejected an offer of help from the Allies, added that – with US help – Iran had de-mined the Straits and thanked Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Qatar for their contributions.
“Now that the situation in the Strait of Hormuz is over, I received a phone call from NATO asking if we need help,” he said.
The US president claimed he rejected the alliance’s offer, saying it did not require its involvement unless it wanted to transport oil.
“I told them to stay away unless they just want to load their ships with oil. They were useless when needed – a paper tiger,” he wrote.
In a separate post, Trump said that “Iran, with the help of the US, has removed or is in the process of removing all mines” and thanked Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Qatar for their contributions to developments in the region.
“I thank Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Qatar for their great courage and assistance,” he said.
