Hormuz tops NATO summit agenda as Washington urges allies to boost naval capabilities

July 5, 2026 - 21:00 | Last update July 5, 2026 - 21:00

Turkish preparations to host the NATO summit in Ankara.

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A White House official revealed on Sunday the key topics on the agenda of the NATO summit scheduled for Tuesday and Wednesday in Ankara.

The official said the issue of the Strait of Hormuz and protecting maritime navigation will be among the main topics discussed by alliance leaders, adding: 'It is true that many allies have expressed readiness to participate and deploy their capabilities to protect navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, but the problem lies in possessing the necessary capabilities, as many of them lack the ships or naval assets needed to contribute effectively to any maritime effort.'

He pointed out that the United States urges its allies to enhance their military capabilities and take on a more effective role in defending themselves, which strengthens the alliance's collective defense system.

In a field development, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) announced today that it received a report of an incident occurring 30 nautical miles southwest of the Yemeni city of Hodeidah, after a cargo ship sent a distress call stating it was under attack by unknown gunmen.

The authority added that the competent authorities are investigating the incident, urging ships to exercise caution while transiting and report any suspicious activity.

For his part, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf affirmed that 'there is no peace between us and the United States, and we will not recognize Israel,' stressing that the diplomatic track must be able to consolidate and strengthen what he described as 'field achievements.'

Qalibaf indicated that implementing the understanding with the United States is 'difficult, but possible,' considering the United States 'an unreliable party.'

White House NATO summit Strait of Hormuz US Navy Iran