NATO Secretary General Rutte: Allies are evaluating how the Strait of Hormuz can be reopened

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte held a joint press conference with Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide and Norwegian Defense Minister Tore Onshuus Sandvik as part of his contacts in Norway.

In the press conference held after his visit to NATO forces currently completing the "Cold Response 26" exercise in Norway, Rutte praised Norway's role in the security of the Arctic region.

Rutte said, "NATO will defend every inch of allied territory, no matter which direction the challenges it may face come from. Our Armed Forces are ready to operate in extreme conditions. The Cold Response 26 exercise has taken this readiness even further."

Questioned on US President Trump's implication of considering withdrawal from NATO

When asked how he evaluates US President Donald Trump's expression of strong frustration over the reluctance of NATO allies to participate in efforts to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and his implication that the US might consider withdrawing from the alliance, Rutte replied, "When it comes to the risk of Iran reaching nuclear or ballistic missile capabilities, we as NATO have consistently emphasized that this must not happen. Therefore, it is vital that ballistic missile and nuclear capabilities are seriously undermined."

The NATO Secretary General said, "I am in contact with many allies regarding the Strait of Hormuz. They all agree that the Strait of Hormuz must be reopened. I know that the allies are cooperating and evaluating how this can be done. They are addressing this collectively to find a way forward."

"We must be prepared for Russia to launch a challenge against NATO"

Regarding a question about the reason for holding the Cold Response 26 exercise in a region not far from Russia, Rutte said, "This is vital. When we look at Russia and what they are doing in Ukraine right now, while Ukraine is resisting bravely, Russia is also continuing to maintain its defense production. They are allocating 40 percent of the state budget to defense."

Rutte stated, "According to open sources and what our intelligence services have conveyed to the media in the last 12 to 18 months, we must be prepared for Russia to launch a challenge against NATO. Could this be in 2027? In 2029? In 2031? This means we must be ready."

"We are working together with Norway, the UK, Turkey, and the EU"

In response to a question regarding the transport and logistics of NATO personnel and equipment, Rutte replied that ports and railways in Europe are of critical importance in this regard. Rutte said, "We are working on this every day. We are working together with Norway, the UK, Turkey, and the EU. This is truly a joint effort. Because as much as investments, industrial production, and well-trained soldiers are important, getting them to where they are needed is just as important."