How did Madrid respond to Trump’s threats?
The Strait of Hormuz is not within NATO’s competence, and the Alliance will not participate in the war in the Middle East.
This was stated by Spain’s Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares Bueno, as reported by RBC-Ukraine, citing Euronews.
Read also: “We have not seen help from Russia”: Kallas responded to accusations regarding the Strait of Hormuz
Spain’s position on Trump’s ultimatum
According to Albares, ensuring free navigation in the Strait of Hormuz goes beyond NATO’s operational scope. The Foreign Minister emphasized that allies were not informed about the plans of the United States and were not consulted.
“NATO is not participating in this war. The Middle East is not within NATO’s operational scope, and therefore not only we but many allies have expressed the same opinion: NATO will not participate in this war,” the minister stressed.
These statements came in response to pressure from U.S. President Donald Trump, who demands more active actions from allies in the region. Trump had previously criticized the Alliance for inaction and even threatened to withdraw the U.S. from the organization.
NATO efforts and alternative coalitions
Despite Spain’s resistance, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte is trying to encourage member countries to create a special mission. The U.S. expects concrete steps from partners to unblock the strait, where around 2,000 vessels are currently stranded.
Due to the lack of consensus within NATO, the United Kingdom has begun forming a separate “coalition of the willing.” More than 40 countries are ready to join this coalition to restore shipping security outside the official structures of the Alliance.
Trump’s ultimatum and the EU’s response
Recall that recently, U.S. President Donald Trump issued an ultimatum to allies, demanding that Europe take full responsibility for security in the Strait of Hormuz. Washington is seeking concrete commitments for patrolling the region in the coming days.
At the same time, EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas sharply responded to these accusations. She emphasized that security support must be mutual. According to her, Europe has not seen adequate assistance from the U.S. in countering Russia, so it should not independently guarantee security in the Middle East.
RBC-Ukraine also reported that British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has already discussed the details of opening the Strait of Hormuz with Trump. London is trying to find a compromise and create a “coalition of the willing” to avoid a final split within the Alliance.
