NATO’s Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe hosted an August 19 videoconference led by U.S. Air Force Gen. Alexus Grynkewich with senior military officials from member nations to discuss possible national contributions to freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. A NATO spokesperson said two days later, "This is not a NATO mission," underscoring the alliance’s effort to avoid being drawn into escalating U.S.-Iran tensions. France and the United Kingdom are instead leading a separate coalition of approximately a dozen nations focused on maritime security and mine clearance. The strait has historically carried roughly 20% of the world’s traded oil, but new restrictions began in February 2026 as tensions escalated. Any lasting security arrangement would require some degree of Iranian cooperation because Tehran controls the waterway’s northern shore and can threaten shipping with naval forces, mines or proxy operations.