New coalition rules out applying force against Iran

Diplomats across the world have ruled against military force to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and are instead opting for diplomatic measures, according to Norway’s Foreign Minister.

“We have to be realistic about what can be achieved militarily while the war is going on,” said Espen Barth Eide, who attended a virtual briefing with over 40 diplomats discussing the economic fallout from the strait’s closure. “This coalition … will act diplomatically to put pressure on Iran,” he told CNN’s Becky Anderson.

His comments echo French President Emmanuel Macron who favored negations with Iran and cited military intervention to reopen the trade artery as “unrealistic.”

Macron’s comments were in response to US President Donald Trump criticizing ally states for not partaking in the war and urging partner nations to “go to the Strait and just take it,” while also stating his desire to withdraw the US from NATO.

Eide questioned Trump’s decision making, outlining the difference between NATO’s strategic alliance with the war on Iran. “When a member starts a war somewhere else of their own choice, this is not something that obliges NATO to participate.”

He added: “When the US was attacked in 9/11, we all stood up for the US together because one of our members and there was no doubt that we would stand together.”