NATO studies possibility deploying its forces Strait Hormuz protect ships

The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) is discussing the possibility of facilitating the passage of ships through the closed Strait of Hormuz, if it is not reopened by early July, according to a senior official in the alliance.

A diplomat from a NATO country explained that the idea enjoys the support of a number of alliance members, but it has not yet received the necessary consensus. The two officials spoke on condition of anonymity. NATO leaders are scheduled to meet in Ankara on July 7 and 8, according to Bloomberg.

The move represents a shift in the alliance's strategy towards the US-Israeli war in Iran. Until now, the allies have insisted that their intervention in the strait will not take place until after the fighting stops and a broad coalition is formed that includes many non-NATO countries.