Published on 6/20/2026
Belgian Defense Minister Theo Franken revealed that NATO defense ministers did not discuss the Strait of Hormuz file during their recent meeting in Brussels, stressing that arrangements to secure the vital sea lane will come into effect in the coming weeks, as part of a move led by European countries to protect freedom of navigation in the region.
Franken said in an interview with the program “The Story Has the Rest,” which will be broadcast next Monday on Al Jazeera, that a coalition of willing countries led by France and Britain is working on developing the necessary military plans to carry out mine clearance operations and secure navigation in the Strait of Hormuz and the Gulf of Oman.
The Belgian Minister explained that, as of today, military staff officers have begun work in the United Kingdom on preparing plans for these operations, noting that the goal is to ensure the continuity of navigation and protect maritime transit lines in the region.
Franken added that Europe will continue to invest in this mission, stressing that the operation will be implemented during the coming period, within the framework of what he described as defending freedom of navigation and supporting the Gulf states.
The Belgian Defense Minister said that there is “European solidarity with the Gulf countries” that were considered to have been subjected to attacks from Iran during the past month, noting that these countries did not commit any mistake, as he put it.
Franken’s statements come in light of the escalation of international interest in the Strait of Hormuz, which is one of the most important sea lanes in the world, due to its role in the movement of energy transport and global trade, amid fears of the impact of regional tensions on navigation security.
Franken pointed out that the European move does not come within the framework of official NATO discussions on the Strait, but is linked to an alliance led by specific countries to secure the region and ensure the continued movement of ships in the Strait of Hormuz and the Gulf of Oman.
