NATO chief says Strait of Hormuz closure 'unacceptable,' must reopen

2026-03-20 - 09:39

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte has issued a firm statement on the crisis in the Strait of Hormuz, declaring that the strategic waterway must be reopened as soon as possible. Speaking alongside Romanian President Nicusor Dan in Brussels on Thursday, Rutte emphasized that allies agree the closure of the key maritime route is unacceptable for both global trade and international security. "The Strait of Hormuz cannot stay closed. It has to open up again as soon as possible," Rutte told reporters. "This is crucial for the world economy. It is also crucial because it's unacceptable if a key sea lane is closed, or it is so difficult to use that sea lane because of all the threats currently there." The NATO chief noted that alliance members are consulting among themselves and with the United States to determine the best course of action to address what he described as a "huge security issue." Alliance Readiness and Eastern Flank Defense Rutte used the occasion to underscore NATO's operational readiness, citing recent joint air patrols conducted with Romanian F-16s and the successful interception of ballistic missiles that were heading toward Türkiye. He reaffirmed the alliance's commitment to defending every inch of allied territory, highlighting ballistic missile defense as one of the vital capabilities at NATO's disposal. "We are vigilant and prepared to defend every inch of allied territory," Rutte said. "We stand together, and we have the vital capabilities we need to ensure our defense, including ballistic missile defense." He also praised Romania's strategic role on NATO's eastern flank and in the Black Sea region, calling the country a "vital reason for our shared security." Bulgaria, Black Sea, and Regional Volatility Later on Thursday, Rutte met with Bulgarian Prime Minister Andrey Gurov, who described the current period as "very volatile." Gurov noted that the Black Sea region has shifted from a corridor of trade to an "arena for geopolitical confrontation." He affirmed Bulgaria's steadfast commitment to NATO, adding that even under a caretaker government, his administration remains fully aligned with alliance decisions. The NATO chief's remarks come as tensions in the Middle East remain high following the US-Israeli military campaign against Iran, which has claimed more than 1,300 lives, including former Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. In response, Iran has launched drone and missile attacks across the region and has effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz to most shipping. The waterway normally handles approximately 20 million barrels of oil per day, along with roughly 20 percent of global liquefied natural gas trade.