Published：May 9, 12:00Last updated：May 22, 21:08

NATO Allies Consider "Plan B" for Strait of Hormuz as US Pushes for Action

May. 9, 2026 12:00

The Royal Navy has deployed the Type 45 air-defence Destroyer HMS Dragon to Cyprus, supported by Wildcat helicopters, to strengthen regional air defences in the Eastern Mediterranean. The warship set sail from Portsmouth Harbour on March 10, 2026, amid escalating tensions in the Middle East. This move is part of the UK’s efforts to bolster security in the region, particularly in response to potential threats in the Hormuz Strait.

Summarized

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May. 22, 2026 20:02

U.S. Secretary of State Rubio stated on May 22, 2026, in Sweden during a NATO foreign ministers' meeting that if Iran continues its effective blockade of the Strait of Hormuz for "the next few weeks," a "Plan B" would be necessary. He emphasized the need for international cooperation, mentioning a UK-France-led multinational force plan for securing the strait. Rubio pointed out that the current unstable ceasefire requires action, and some countries have shown willingness to collaborate.

May. 22, 2026 21:08

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio called for increased NATO ally support to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, expressing disappointment over their lack of effort in ending the Iran war. Rubio's remarks preceded Pakistan’s army chief's visit to Tehran for mediation talks between Iran and Washington. The comments were made on May 22, 2026, highlighting ongoing diplomatic tensions.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has called for NATO allies to prepare contingency plans, including potential military action, if Iran continues blocking the Strait of Hormuz. Speaking at a NATO foreign ministers' meeting in Sweden on May 22, 2026, Rubio emphasized the need for a "Plan B" involving international cooperation, referencing a UK-France-led multinational force proposal. The remarks come amid ongoing tensions following US-Israel strikes on Iranian targets in February, which NATO allies declined to support. Pakistan's army chief is set to visit Tehran for mediation talks, highlighting diplomatic efforts to resolve the crisis.TASS+3

🚢 Multinational Security Efforts

The UK has expanded its military contribution to the region with:

Typhoon fighter jets for air patrols
HMS Dragon destroyer deployed since March 10
£115 million for mine-detection and anti-drone systems
France is collaborating with the UK to lead the multinational effort, though NATO's formal participation remains uncertain due to internal divisions.Russia Today+2

⚠️ Escalating Tensions

Recent developments include:

Iran's effective blockade of the strait
US Secretary Rubio's warning about "next few weeks" timeline
UK-France proposal for securing the waterway
US disappointment over NATO allies' limited support for reopening the straitTASS+2

🌍 Strategic Importance

The Strait of Hormuz remains:

Critical for 20% of global oil shipments
Flashpoint in Western-Iranian relations
Subject of NATO's economic security discussions
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte confirmed informal talks about alliance involvement.Bloomberg+2

📅 Recent Diplomatic Moves

Date	Event
March 10	HMS Dragon departs Portsmouth
May 12	UK announces expanded military package
May 22	Rubio calls for "Plan B" at NATO meeting
May 22	Pakistan army chief prepares Tehran mediation visit
July (planned)	NATO Ankara summit to address proposal
Russia Today+3

IranHMS DragonEmmanuel MacronStrait of HormuzUK Ministry of Defense

topic.regionalNarratives

Russia

Coverage highlights U.S. Secretary of State Rubio's calls for Western military contingency plans regarding the Strait of Hormuz, including potential NATO discussions and alternative options.

Germany

Reporting centers on U.S. Secretary of State Rubio's public statements about the need for a "Plan B" to address potential conflict escalation in the Strait of Hormuz.

Japan

Coverage emphasizes U.S. calls for international cooperation on a "Plan B" for the Strait of Hormuz, with reference to potential UK-France-led multinational efforts.

France

Reporting focuses on U.S. criticism of NATO allies' insufficient support in resolving the Iran conflict and reopening the Strait of Hormuz.

United States

Reporting emphasizes NATO's informal discussions about a potential mission to protect shipping in the Strait of Hormuz amid economic concerns over the blocked waterway.

China

Coverage highlights NATO's consideration of aiding commercial ships through the Strait of Hormuz if the blockade persists, with potential discussions at an upcoming summit.