NATO tensions rise as US pushes allies on Iran response while EU prepares sanctions over Hormuz blockade

Tensions are rising within NATO as the US, via Secretary of State Marco Rubio, expresses President Trump's disappointment with allies' lack of support in a recent attack on Iran. While the US pushes for a military 'plan B' to open the blockaded Strait of Hormuz, the EU is separately preparing sanctions against Iran for the blockade, which it deems illegal. The friction is compounded by confusing US troop adjustments in Europe.

NATO Iran response tensions

• ▪Contradictory US announcements regarding troop withdrawals from Germany and deployments to Poland have caused confusion among NATO allies.
• ▪No other NATO member joined the 38-day US attack on Iran, though some countries provided a degree of assistance.
• ▪US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said President Donald Trump is disappointed with NATO allies for not actively participating in a recent attack on Iran.
• ▪The rift between the US and its NATO allies over Iran is expected to be a key topic at the alliance's July summit in Ankara.
• ▪The UK and France have offered to lead a multinational force to secure shipping in the Strait of Hormuz once a peace deal with Iran is reached.
• ▪The US plans to adjust its troop presence in Europe, which is currently around 80,000, citing obligations in other global regions.
• ▪During the US attack on Iran, Spain refused use of its bases, France allowed only support aircraft, and the UK permitted bombing missions from its territory.
• ▪The US is considering a "plan B" with NATO countries to militarily reopen the Strait of Hormuz if Iran's blockade continues.

EU Hormuz sanctions

• ▪Iran initiated the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz in retaliation for US-Israeli strikes launched in February.
• ▪The European Union is preparing to impose sanctions on Iranian officials responsible for blocking the Strait of Hormuz.
• ▪The EU considers Iran's blockade of the key shipping lane for global oil and gas to be "contrary to international law."

Pakistan US-Iran mediation

• ▪Pakistan's military chief, Asim Munir, arrived in Tehran on May 22, 2026, for talks related to the mediation efforts.
• ▪Pakistan is serving as the main mediator in negotiations between the United States and Iran.

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