Europe Chose Iran

When it counted, America's allies picked the other side

The split within NATO has reached such a depth that it’s time to ask: is there any point in even talking about the North Atlantic Alliance anymore?

Dear readers and subscribers,

On April 2, the United Kingdom organized a videoconference of the foreign ministers of 40 countries to discuss possible ways to unblock the Strait of Hormuz. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio was not present, but the foreign ministers of the Persian Gulf states and India did participate. These are countries that maintain contact with Tehran and are considered friendly states by Tehran, whose oil tankers are allowed to transit the Strait of Hormuz.

London is trying to portray itself as a “reasonable hawk.” It hasn’t ruled out a forceful unblocking of the strait and has even threatened to assemble a “coalition of the willing 2.0,” also excluding the United States.

At the same time, the British strongly emphasized their commitment to a peaceful settlement, making that commitment clear to the Indians and Arabs who have access to Tehran.

The outcome became clear within hours.

A French vessel passed through the Strait of Hormuz unobstructed. Iran allowed a NATO country, a US military ally, to pass. This was likely a reward for good behavior. Paris is not playing hardball and insists that the conflict can be resolved solely through diplomacy.