Asger Risom
Sweden says it is open to discussing a NATO role in reopening the Strait of Hormuz, as growing divisions inside the alliance complicate Western efforts to restore global energy shipping routes.
Sweden says it is open to discussing a larger NATO role in reopening the Strait of Hormuz, as pressure grows on Western allies to restore shipping through one of the world’s most important energy chokepoints.
The comments come as divisions continue to emerge inside the alliance over how directly NATO should involve itself in the escalating Iran conflict and the disruption to global trade routes.
NATO discussions
Speaking ahead of a NATO foreign ministers’ meeting in Helsingborg, Swedish Foreign Minister Maria Malmer Stenergard said Stockholm would support discussions around potential alliance involvement in securing the strait.
“It’s definitely in Swedish and European interests to make sure that we keep the strait open and that Iran cannot use this as a weapon again,” she told Politico.
“So I’m quite open to discussing different formats,” she added.
The Strait of Hormuz handles roughly 20% of global oil shipments, making it one of the most strategically important maritime routes in the world.
Commercial traffic through the corridor has been heavily disrupted since Iran retaliated against the ongoing U.S.-Israeli bombing campaign that began in February.
Alliance tensions
Politico reported that NATO has so far avoided taking a formal role in reopening the strait due to internal disagreements among member states over the war.
Several European countries, including France, Spain, Italy and the U.K., have reportedly restricted U.S. access to airspace and military facilities linked to operations targeting Iran.
The tensions have fueled criticism from President Donald Trump, who recently described NATO as a “paper tiger” and announced plans to reduce the U.S. troop presence in Germany following criticism from Chancellor Friedrich Merz.
In the absence of a unified NATO response, a separate coalition led by France and the U.K. has emerged as the main diplomatic channel for restoring maritime traffic through Hormuz.
Possible NATO role
According to Politico, some NATO members now want the alliance to take on a more formal operational role, either replacing or supporting the existing coalition framework.
Dutch Foreign Minister Tom Berendsen said NATO expertise could be valuable in securing shipping routes.
“We need the expertise of NATO there as well,” he told reporters.
But resistance remains strong among some allies. France publicly rejected the idea of NATO expanding into the Middle East theater.
“NATO’s North Atlantic Treaty applies to the North Atlantic region,” French foreign ministry spokesperson Pascal Confavreux told Politico.
“It is not its purpose nor is it the right alliance to focus on the issue in the Middle East and the Strait of Hormuz.”
The issue is expected to be discussed further during Friday’s NATO meetings in Sweden as energy security and global shipping disruptions continue to intensify.
Sources: Politico, AFP
