NATO allies could consider a possible request from the United States to help reopen the Strait of Hormuz if such an appeal is made, Lithuanian Foreign Minister Kęstutis Budrys said Monday.
“NATO countries should consider it if such a request is received from the US,” Budrys told reporters in Brussels. “We need to see the entire operational environment and the capabilities with which we could contribute. We certainly cannot dismiss such an idea.”
Budrys said similar situations in the past had escalated to the point where support from allies and international organisations was required.
“We have had several situations that escalated to a level where the involvement of allies and international organisations was needed,” he said. “Now we have seen support provided by the US on a bilateral basis. If they want the support of such an international organisation, of course, we will consider it.”
The minister spoke ahead of a meeting of the European Union Foreign Affairs Council in Brussels, where discussions were expected to include possible sanctions against Iran’s so-called shadow fleet and measures to prevent sanctions evasion.
Budrys also warned fellow European Union ministers against easing sanctions on Russia or Belarus in response to rising oil prices.
“I will certainly tell my colleagues that we should not make a strategic mistake and review sanctions against Russia or Belarus,” he said. “Trying to reduce oil prices in the short term this way would be a huge strategic mistake in the medium and long term.”
“Nothing is more expensive than cheap Russian oil,” Budrys added.
Global oil prices have surged by 40% to 50% after Iran blocked the Strait of Hormuz and attacked energy and shipping infrastructure in the Persian Gulf, in retaliation for attacks by the US and Israel.
Over the weekend, US President Donald Trump called on NATO allies and several countries – including China, France, Japan, South Korea and United Kingdom – to send naval vessels to escort oil tankers through the strategic waterway.
Newsletter
Every Friday morning.
