NATO members discuss Strait of Hormuz options without alliance involvement

The Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe convened a videoconference this week to explore ways for NATO allies to support freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, according to a spokesperson for the alliance's top commander. The meeting took place at the chief of defense level on Wednesday, August 19th, 2026. However, the spokesperson emphasized that this is not a NATO mission.

The US Air Force General Alexus Grynkewich stated that given NATO's unique strengths in bringing together allies and understanding their capabilities, it makes sense for the alliance to facilitate this support in this manner. NATO allies have been cautious about directly involving themselves in the Iran conflict, instead focusing on plans outside the alliance to reopen the strait.

France and Britain have been leading efforts to build a coalition among roughly a dozen countries to ensure safe passage through the strait once tensions subside or the conflict is resolved. However, any long-term arrangement would ultimately require Iranian consent.