NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte has confirmed that Australia is among 22 nations mobilising to secure the Strait of Hormuz, following intensive discussions aimed at safeguarding one of the world's most critical maritime corridors.
Speaking on CBS' Face the Nation, Rutte revealed that the initiative, which includes a mix of NATO members and key Indo-Pacific allies such as Japan and South Korea, is a direct response to calls for enhanced regional stability.
The coalition, spearheaded by the United Kingdom under Prime Minister Keir Starmer, also counts Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates among its ranks.
According to Rutte, the group has spent the past week addressing the logistical "three questions" of the mission: what assets are required, when they must be deployed, and where they will be positioned.
The collaborative effort follows several high-level conversations between Rutte and US President Donald Trump, signalling a unified front despite previous criticisms directed at the alliance.
While the strategic framework is being finalised, the nature of Australia's contribution remains under scrutiny.
Domestic officials have previously indicated a reluctance to commit naval vessels while active combat persists in the region.
When pressed on the timeline and specific operational roles, Rutte maintained a diplomatic stance, citing the necessity of operational secrecy.
However, he emphasised that the swift alignment of these 22 nations underscores a logical and necessary escalation in international cooperation to ensure the "free sailing" of global trade through the Persian Gulf’s most volatile chokepoint.