On Wednesday, France responded to Donald Trump’s threats to withdraw the United States from NATO, stating that the military alliance was established to ensure security in the Euro-Atlantic area, not to conduct offensive operations in the Strait of Hormuz.
Trump told Reuters that he would announce in a later address to the nation that he was “absolutely” considering withdrawing the United States from NATO, echoing comments he made in an interview with the UK’s Daily Telegraph after allies failed to support US military action against Iran, reports Gazeta Express.
Emmanuel Macron has suggested a UN framework for any action in the Strait of Hormuz, a vital artery for global oil supplies that Iran has effectively blocked, stating that international efforts could only take place once hostilities are de-escalated, insurance and shipping companies consulted, and Iran’s consent secured.
“Let me remind you what NATO is. It is a military alliance concerned with security in the Euro-Atlantic region. It is not designed to conduct operations in the Strait of Hormuz, which would constitute a violation of international law,” said France’s new Minister of the Armed Forces, Alice Rufo, at the “War and Peace” conference in Paris.
