NATO chief Rutte offers Strait of Hormuz aid as White House rejects role

The head of NATO signed on Thursday that European allies may help protect the Strait of Hormuz following talks with President Donald Trump – as the White House announced that the alliance “failed” and was not asked to help.

Secretary-General Mark Rutte, speaking at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute in Washington a day after meeting Trump at the White House, hinted at a possible joint effort among nations to keep the vital waterway open.

“If NATO can help, obviously, there is no reason not to help,” Rutte said.

But a White House official played down the notion that the coalition would play any role.

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“As President Trump said yesterday, NATO was tested and failed,” said the official. “Currently he does not expect anything from NATO and he did not ask them anything, although it is true that they benefit from the Strait of Hormuz more than the United States.”

The mixed messages underscore growing tensions between Washington and its European allies over how — or whether — NATO should get involved in the escalating conflict in Iran.

Rutte framed the tensions as part of deep structural imbalances, warning that Europe’s reliance on US military power has created what he calls “unhealthy codependence.”

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The European ambassador confirmed to Fox News Digital that Rutte conveyed to Trump that he expects a plan from the allies in a few days, emphasizing the urgency of US demands – as the White House publicly denies that it wants NATO involvement.

NATO has also signaled that the US is pushing for concrete commitments.

“The secretary general is communicating with his allies about his discussions in Washington,” NATO spokeswoman Allison Hart told Fox News Digital. “It is clear that the United States expects concrete commitment and action to ensure freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.”

President Donald Trump meets with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte in the Oval Office of the White House on July 14, 2025, in Washington, DC. (Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)

Rutte suggested that the disagreement reflected a wider divide between the allies rather than a failure of NATO as an institution.

“It’s not so much NATO, it’s collective,” he said, pointing to what he described as the obligations of individual countries to support US operations if there are previous agreements.

The dispute highlights a deep conflict over NATO’s role, with the Trump administration pushing allies to support US-led military action against Iran while several European governments have resisted, saying the conflict is outside the alliance’s collective defense mission.

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That conflict has already emerged during the early stages of the conflict.

Spain denied Washington access to important military bases in Rota and Morón and blocked American planes involved in strikes against Iran from using its airspace, making the American mission difficult. France has also imposed restrictions on airspace access to military installations during the conflict, including denying Israeli aircraft permission to transport US weapons, drawing back American and Israeli officials.

French officials said overflight requests are handled on a case-by-case basis.

Several European countries have also said that the Iran conflict is “not our war,” refusing to send naval forces to reopen the Strait of Hormuz during active hostilities and instead showing support for maritime security efforts only after the conflict subsides.

Trump has repeatedly criticized NATO allies for what he sees as insufficient support, warning of the dangers of the alliance becoming a “one-way street.”

“You’re going to have to learn how to fight for yourself first, the USA will no longer be there to help you,” Trump said in Truth Social in March.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio also warned that Washington might “re-evaluate the value of NATO” following the conflict, citing frustration with European restrictions on US support and operational access.

Despite the disagreements, Rutte insisted that many European allies have provided support – including access to bases, transportation, and overflights.

“It is clear that he is disappointed with many NATO allies, and I see his point,” Rutte said. “But … most of the European countries have been helpful with support, with supplies, with planes, by making sure that they fulfill the commitments.”

Rutte also pointed to the model of an emerging alliance outside the formal structure of NATO, with countries directly coordinating to maintain security in the Strait of Hormuz.

The ship is seen passing through the Strait of Hormuz during the two-week temporary ceasefire between the United States and Iran on April 8, 2026. (Photos by Shady Alassar/Anadolu/Getty)

“When it comes to the Strait of Hormuz, what you see now is the coming together of countries to ensure that the Strait remains open,” he said. “When countries cooperate with the United States, that is a joint responsibility that we will not accept to be closed in difficulty.”

He said the United Kingdom played a major role in organizing that effort.

“This is about effective support,” Rutte said. “Each country is now looking at what they can do to contribute – whether that’s mine hunters, frigates, or surveillance and technology.”

Rutte returned to that broader criticism of Europe’s defense posture, arguing that the alliance has grown too dependent on Washington.

“Western European armies are shrinking and defense budgets are shrinking … because of what I would call unhealthy independence,” he said.

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However, he said the coalition is starting to change.

“This is a move from independence to a transatlantic alliance based on true relationships,” Rutte said. “There will be no going back.”