NATO Sets Deadline: Plans to Deploy Forces for Escort if Strait of Hormuz Not Opened by Early July

According to a senior NATO official, NATO is discussing the possibility of deploying forces to help ships pass through the blocked Strait of Hormuz if it is not reopened by early July. A diplomat from a NATO country stated that the idea has received support from several NATO member states but has not yet obtained the necessary unanimous consent. This move would mark a shift in NATO's war strategy towards Iran. A senior NATO official said that although some allies still oppose approving NATO to carry out a mission in the strait, they will turn to support this idea if the blockade continues. NATO member state leaders will meet in Ankara from July 7th to 8th.