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Agadir – Several members of NATO declined to participate in a US-led plan to blockade Iranian ports, signaling growing tensions with Donald Trump over escalating conflict with Iran.
“We will also begin destroying the mines the Iranians laid in the Straits. Any Iranian who fires at us, or at peaceful vessels, will be BLOWN TO HELL! Iran knows, better than anyone, how to END this situation which has already devastated their Country,” Trump said on April 12 after announcing that the negotiations with Iran had failed.
He further claimed that the discussions that were held in Pakistan failed because Iran did not agree to stop developing nuclear weapons.
Trump then announced the US would blockade Iranian ports, stating: “the blockade will begin shortly. Other Countries will be involved with this Blockade. Iran will not be allowed to profit off this illegal Act of extortion.”
Trump expected many countries to join his plan. However, after his warning to destroy any Iranian vessels approaching the blockade zone, many key NATO members, including the UK and France, declared their intention to not participate in this plan.
“We’re not supporting the blockade,” British Prime Minister Keir Starmer told the BBC.
“My decision has been very clear that whatever the pressure, and there’s been some considerable pressure, we’re not getting dragged into the war,” he said.
Starmer instead of joining Trump’s plan, he announced on social media that “this week the UK and France will co-host a summit to advance work on a coordinated, independent, multinational plan to safeguard international shipping when the conflict ends.”
France has similarly signaled its opposition to direct involvement. President Emmanuel Macron is proposing a separate multinational effort focused on restoring safe navigation in the Strait of Hormuz after hostilities ended.
“This strictly defensive mission, distinct from the belligerents, will be deployed as soon as the situation allows,” Macron said on Monday.
