Rubio: NATO countries can help the U.S. open the Strait of Hormuz

During the foreign ministers' meeting in Helsingborg, Sweden, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio articulated a clear message regarding the ongoing crisis with Iran and the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. As reported by Dagens Nyheter, Rubio emphasized the need for a "Plan B" should Iran refuse to reopen the vital waterway, suggesting that NATO allies, many of whom are more directly impacted by the blockade than the United States, should be prepared to contribute. This stance underscores a broader U.S. push for burden-sharing within the alliance.

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There are countries here that are more affected than the USA.

Rubio's remarks highlight a potential divergence in priorities, where European nations, while concerned about free navigation, may be hesitant to commit to action without a ceasefire or peace settlement. However, Rubio pressed for concrete commitments, noting that while countries like France and the UK express willingness to help, their conditions are tied to broader diplomatic outcomes. Sweden, too, shares the concern for securing the strait, but Rubio's call is for proactive engagement if the blockade persists, hinting at potential NATO involvement, though not necessarily a formal mission.

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We must have a Plan B if they continue to shoot. I don't know if it will be a NATO mission, but there will definitely be NATO countries that can contribute.

Beyond the Hormuz issue, Rubio used the Helsingborg meeting to prepare for the upcoming NATO summit in Ankara. He reiterated U.S. dissatisfaction with the alliance's value proposition for America, particularly concerning the availability of regional bases crucial for U.S. power projection. This critique, consistent with his pre-meeting statements, serves as a reminder that the U.S. expects its allies to meet agreed-upon defense spending targets, such as the 3.5% of GDP for military expenditure. From a Swedish perspective, this engagement at NATO meetings is crucial, as it shapes the future of European security and the U.S. commitment to the continent, directly impacting regional stability and Sweden's own defense posture.

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There has always been a debate about how the USA contributes to NATO. It has been about what value NATO has for the USA.