NATO chief defends US strikesUS strikes on Iran as absolutely necessary
The US military launched new strikes against Iran on Tuesday and revoked a license allowing Tehran to sell oil after three tankers were hit by projectiles in the Strait of Hormuz, putting pressure on an already fragile ceasefire.
The NATO chief called these operations absolutely necessary, arguing they were retaliation for Iranian attacks on commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz.
This escalation matters as it tests the durability of the current ceasefire and increases regional instability.
- The Strait of Hormuz processes about 20% of the world's oil consumption daily.
- Iran has previously detained commercial vessels in the Hormuz citing safety violations.
- The NATO chief is the first to publicly label the US strikes as necessary in this conflict phase.
US-Iran-Israel War
President Donald Trump declared the US-Iran ceasefire over on July 8, 2026, following fresh Iranian strikes and the expiration of the 60-day interim memorandum of understanding that had temporarily halted hostilities and reopened the Strait of Hormuz. Iran has confirmed it will impose maritime service fees on all vessels transiting the Strait once the toll-free period ended, with special exemptions for friendly nations like China, setting the stage for renewed conflict between Washington and Tehran.
8 July, 08:56 AM
Trump declares US-Iran ceasefire over after fresh strikes
