Following a ceasefire between the US, Israel and Iran, pressure is mounting on Europe to join a naval mission securing shipping in the Persian Gulf. Discussions behind the scenes consider framing it as a Nato operation. The alliance is preparing an offer for Washington.
The US, Israel and Iran have agreed to a ceasefire in the Persian Gulf. European diplomats in Brussels are now pushing for involvement in a naval mission to secure the Strait of Hormuz, as reported by Handelsblatt.
Nato circles stated: "It speaks volumes in favour of organising this as a Nato mission." The reason: It would involve the Americans and allow the alliance to prove its value to the US. One approach could be to start as a 'coalition of the willing' and integrate it into Nato structures at the July summit in Ankara.
Germany is also in the discussions. Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU) spoke by phone with US President Donald Trump on Wednesday. The ceasefire and diplomatic efforts for the strait were topics, but no concrete Bundesmarine contributions were addressed, according to the German government.
