French Minister Delegate to the Minister of the Armed Forces Alice Rufo firmly stated on Wednesday that NATO has no mandate to conduct operations in the Strait of Hormuz if they do not fully comply with international law.
Speaking at the War and Peace Forum in Paris, Rufo emphasized that the Atlantic alliance is designed exclusively to defend the Euro-Atlantic area, not to intervene in Middle East maritime security crises.
Her comments come amid escalating tensions following U.S. President Donald Trump’s sharp criticism of NATO allies. Trump revealed he is seriously considering withdrawing the United States from NATO, accusing the alliance of failing to support American efforts to secure transit through the vital Strait of Hormuz amid ongoing conflicts in the region.
Trump’s Frustration with Allies
US President Trump’s frustration boiled over after several NATO members, including France, declined to join U.S.-led efforts to keep the strait open for commercial traffic. In recent statements, Trump described the alliance as ineffective in addressing global challenges beyond Europe and hinted at a major policy shift regarding America’s commitment to NATO.
This latest rift highlights deepening transatlantic divides, especially as the U.S. has been engaged in military operations linked to Iran, with the Hormuz situation emerging as a key point of contention.
European leaders have generally called for de-escalation, respect for international law, and diplomatic solutions rather than broadening NATO’s operational scope.