BRUSSELS: The Secretary General of NATO, Mark Rutte, on Wednesday welcomed progress on a US–Iran peace agreement aimed at ending the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, describing the planned reopening of the Strait of Hormuz as a significant diplomatic and strategic milestone.
Speaking at a press briefing in Brussels, Rutte said the restoration of free navigation through the vital waterway would represent a “massive step forward” for regional security and global trade flows.
🔴 BREAKING: NATO chief Mark Rutte has hailed the US-Iran deal to end the Middle East war, saying the planned reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, would be a “massive step forward.” pic.twitter.com/WlqSgtiMXg
— Al Arabiya English (@AlArabiya_Eng) June 17, 2026
“The restoration of free passage through the Strait of Hormuz will be a massive step forward, and I know that many allies, through the initiative led by France and the United Kingdom, are ready to support,” he said.
The remarks come amid international backing for efforts to ease tensions in the region, with the US–Iran understanding seen as a key development in reducing military confrontation and reopening critical maritime routes.
The United States and Iran are set to begin negotiations on a final peace settlement in Switzerland on Friday, marking a significant step towards lasting stability in the Middle East following months of diplomatic efforts led by Pakistan and Qatar.
Pakistan will host the signing ceremony of the memorandum of understanding between the United States and Iran as a mediator.
