BRUSSELS: NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte has welcomed the reported US-Iran agreement to end the conflict, describing the planned reopening of the Strait of Hormuz as a “massive step forward”.
Speaking at a news conference in Brussels, Rutte said the restoration of free passage through the strategic waterway would represent a significant development for international trade and regional stability. He added that several NATO allies were prepared to support the effort through an initiative led by France and United Kingdom.
“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 said.
The NATO chief also stated that the agreement had created an opportunity to ensure that Iran never acquires a nuclear weapon.
However, no formal agreement on Iran’s nuclear programme has been announced. According to officials from both sides, the issue is expected to be one of the main topics of discussions between the United States and Iran after the deal is signed in Bürgenstock on Friday.