MOSCOW, June 17 (HS/RIA Novosti) - NATO allies are ready to support the initiative led by France and the United Kingdom, aimed at restoring free maritime travel through the Strait of Hormuz, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said on Wednesday.
The restoration of free passage through the Strait of Hormuz will be a massive step forward, and I know that many allies, through the initiative led by France and the United Kingdom, are ready to support, Rutte told reporters ahead of the meeting of NATO defense ministers in Brussels.
The alliance is ready to assist with the implementation of the initiative if necessary, the secretary general added.
Whether NATO will play a role there - yes or no - if helpful, of course, we will play a role, but if they can do it without us, also OK, so we are always ready to help if so wanted, Rutte said.
The NATO chief also welcomed the deal made by US President Donald Trump with Iran.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Indrani Sarkar
