We did not ask for help from NATO regarding the Strait of Hormuz

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said after a meeting with NATO ministers in Sweden that the United States did not submit a specific request to the alliance today, Friday, to provide assistance regarding the Strait of Hormuz, but he stressed the necessity of having an alternative plan if Iran refuses to reopen the waterway.

Rubio stressed that everyone wants to reach an agreement with Iran, stressing at the same time the necessity of having an “alternative plan” if Tehran refuses to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

Rubio said in a press conference during his participation in a meeting of NATO foreign ministers in the Swedish city of Helsingborg that Washington wants to reach an understanding with Tehran, adding that there is some progress in the talks with Iran, but he indicated that no final result has been reached yet.

He also continued, “We want Iran to abandon its nuclear ambitions,” noting that the United States does not want the scope of the conflict to expand in the Middle East.

Rubio explained that Pakistan is the main mediator in the Iran talks, and said, “We are coordinating with several countries regarding Iran, but Islamabad is the main mediator in the talks.”

In addition, the US Secretary said that there was no specific request for assistance from NATO regarding the Strait of Hormuz, adding, “We are constantly re-evaluating the presence of our forces in Europe.”

Rubio’s statements come as Pakistani Army Commander Asim Munir heads to Tehran on Friday, according to what was reported by the Iranian IRNA news agency.

Yesterday, Thursday, the US Secretary expressed cautious optimism about diplomatic efforts to end the war with Iran, saying before leaving to attend a NATO meeting in Sweden that there were “good indicators.”

He also confirmed that US President Donald Trump prefers a negotiated settlement.