-- NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said Thursday a 34-country coalition led by the UK is aligning with the US to ensure the Strait of Hormuz remains open for global trade.
Rutte made the remarks at the Ronald Reagan Institute's Center for Peace Through Strength.
Rutte said UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer stressed, "we have to bring together a coalition... to make sure that the principle of free shipping... is upheld," highlighting coordinated action with the US.
He said contributions differ by nation, adding the Netherlands will likely deploy "mine hunters... and radar technology," describing the effort as "practical support" to secure shipping lanes.
Rutte added conditions remain uncertain, noting the situation is "two days into the ceasefire," and developments in shipping lanes will be reviewed "day by day" as operations evolve.
The US president is focused on reopening routes quickly, adding that the mission aims "to make sure that this principle of free shipping is maintained" beyond immediate military coordination.
Rutte added the coalition spans beyond NATO, noting participation from Japan, South Korea, Australia, Bahrain, and the United Arab Emirates, calling it a broad-based international maritime effort.
He said the UK-led group is aligning "military, political and economic tools," describing it as a strategic shift with European allies taking stronger roles in regional and global security.
Participating nations agree that the Strait must not close. Rutte stressed "we cannot accept the strait to be closed," underscoring urgency around maintaining uninterrupted maritime access.
Rutte said even smaller maritime nations contribute meaningfully, noting countries like the Netherlands remain relevant, while NATO allies form the bulk of the coalition securing the vital route.