NATO mulls joining forces with Trump to protect ships through Strait of Hormuz

*Despite its initial grandstanding on direct participation, the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation is considering alignment with United States Donald Trump to protect ships through the strategically critical Strait of Hormuz amid the US-Israel war against Iran

Gbenga Kayode | ConsumerConnect

The North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) is discussing the possibility of deploying forces to help in protecting commercial shipping through the strategically crucial Strait of Hormuz.

NATO disclosed it would get involved directly in the operation, if the controversial waterway remains blocked into July 2026, Bloomberg report said.

ConsumerConnect reports the Organisation’s shift in position comes despite its initial grandstanding in aligning with United States (US) Donald Trump to shield ships through the critical water passage.

Hitherto, NATO allies had largely maintained that any involvement in the Strait of Hormuz would only come after active fighting ended, and under a broader international coalition that included non-member countries.

The proposal reportedly has backing from several NATO members, though the alliance has not yet reached the unanimous consensus required for any formal mission, report stated.

The narrow waterway called Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most critical energy chokepoints, handling nearly 20 percent of global oil and liquefied natural gas shipments.

Top reasons NATO reconsiders decision on protecting ships

Meanwhile, leaders of NATO countries are scheduled to meet Ankara, Turkey, July 7 and 8, 2026, where the issue is expected to feature prominently in discussions among members.

The move, agency report said, would mark a significant shift in NATO’s approach towards the ongoing US-Israeli internecine war with Iran.

NATO countries reportedly resisted President Trump’s earlier calls for assistance in reopening the Strait of Hormuz amid rising oil prices and escalating regional instability among the Gulf States.

As of now, growing economic pressure worldwide is forcing the Organisation’s allies to reconsider their position, according to report.

This is because the closure of the Strait of Hormuz is sending global energy prices sharply higher, and weighing on growth forecasts across major economies since February 28 this year.

Iran has blocked the Strait of Hormuz after the US and Israel launched strikes on Iranian targets in late February, according to Bloomberg.

The blockade of the passage has also deepened tensions between the United States and several European NATO allies, many of whom resisted calls by President Trump to assist in reopening the route.

Trump, in a post on Truth Social, at the White House April 2026 said: “The North Atlantic Treaty Organisation wasn’t there when US needed them, and they wouldn’t be there if Washington needed them again.”

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