Iran conflict: NATO increases support, France rejects US offer.
Amidst the escalating conflict surrounding Iran, European allies have begun increasing logistical support for Washington. However, internal divisions within the West remain, with France firmly refusing to participate in the latest US military operation.
According to RIA Novosti on May 4th, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, speaking at the 8th European Political Community Summit in Armenia, stated that the US's European allies in NATO have begun deploying logistical support and other resources to the region surrounding the Iranian conflict.
"More and more European countries are deploying the necessary logistical resources in advance," Secretary-General Mark Rutte told reporters. "For example, deploying minesweepers closer to the combat zone. This move is aimed at preparing for the next phase."
According to the NATO Secretary General, European countries have "clearly understood Mr. Trump's message."
Mr. Rutte emphasized: "We are seeing these countries actively participating in bilateral agreements with the United States. They are ensuring they meet Washington's requirements regarding base deployment and providing all essential logistical support."
In addition, the NATO Secretary General also noted President Donald Trump's decision to withdraw 5,000 US troops from Germany. He suggested that this move stemmed from "frustration with the stance of European allies on the Iran issue."
In contrast to the support from many NATO members, French President Emmanuel Macron affirmed that Paris would not participate in the Washington-led effort to rescue ships stranded in the Strait of Hormuz.
Speaking at a conference in Armenia, Macron declared: "We will not engage in any armed campaign when the conditions, from my point of view, are not yet truly clear."
Instead of military intervention, the French leader called for a diplomatic solution to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. According to Macron, only a coordinated and consensual position between Tehran and Washington can ensure the sustainable restoration of maritime traffic through the strait.
Earlier, US President Donald Trump officially announced "Operation Freedom." The goal of the operation is to clear the ships blocked in the Strait of Hormuz, scheduled to begin on the morning of May 4th (Middle Eastern time).
According to information from the US Central Command (CENTCOM), the US military forces deployed for this operation will include destroyers, fighter squadrons, and 15,000 troops.
The Iran conflict has left devastating consequences. By April 8th, Washington and Tehran had agreed on a two-week ceasefire. However, subsequent negotiations in Islamabad, Pakistan, ended without any substantial results.
Currently, international mediators are making every effort to organize a new round of negotiations aimed at resolving the deadlock in the region.
