As a result of the war in the Middle East, Iran has effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz, which is vital for oil trade, and attacked several civilian ships that have been passing through it.
On Sunday night, US President Donald Trump threatened to “destroy” Iranian energy facilities if Tehran did not open the Strait of Hormuz to oil and gas shipments within two days. Iran responded by threatening US energy infrastructure in the region and threatened a complete closure of the strait.
Trump has previously expressed frustration that he perceives NATO and other countries as unwilling to help open the Strait of Hormuz. Rutte says it's because the countries have not had the same time to assess the situation.
The US has been planning this operation for months but has not been able to share it with its allies for security reasons, which I understand.
He highlights that 22 countries, including Sweden and several NATO members, have now said they are willing to help make shipping through the strait safe.
We have to figure out the best way to do it, Rutte says.
