Spain reacts to US ultimatum over Strait of Hormuz
Photo: Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares Bueno (twitter.com/ialaism)
The Strait of Hormuz is not "within NATO's sphere of action," and the Alliance will not take part in the war in the Middle East, said Spain’s Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares Bueno, according to Euronews.
Spain’s position on Trump’s ultimatum
According to Albares, ensuring freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz lies outside NATO’s scope of responsibility. The Foreign Minister stressed that allies were not informed about US plans and were not consulted.
"The Middle East is not within NATO's sphere of action, and therefore, not only us, but many allies have expressed the same sentiment: NATO will not participate in this war," the minister said.
These remarks came in response to pressure from US President Donald Trump, who has been demanding more active involvement from allies in the region. Trump previously criticized the Alliance for inaction and even threatened to withdraw the United States from the organization.
NATO efforts and alternative coalitions
Despite Spain’s resistance, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte is trying to encourage member states to create a special mission. The United States 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 reportedly ready to join it to restore maritime security outside the Alliance’s formal structures.
Trump’s ultimatum and the EU response
US President Donald Trump recently issued an ultimatum to allies, demanding that Europe take full responsibility for security in the Strait of Hormuz. Washington is seeking concrete commitments to patrol the region in the coming days.
At the same time, EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas sharply responded to these demands. She emphasized that security support must be mutual. According to her, Europe has not seen sufficient assistance from the Gulf countries in countering Russia, and therefore should not bear sole responsibility for ensuring security in the Middle East.
It was also reported that UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has already discussed with Trump the details of reopening the Strait of Hormuz. London is seeking a compromise and working to build a Coalition of the Willing to avoid a deeper split within the Alliance.
