US Signals NATO Could Be Drawn Into Iran Crisis As Israel War Continues

by Stefan J. Bos, Worthy News Europe Bureau Chief

STOCKHOLM/JERUSALEM (Worthy News) – U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio signaled Friday that the NATO military alliance could become involved in the Iran crisis if negotiations fail to end the war involving Iran, Israel, and the United States.

Speaking after talks with NATO foreign ministers in Stockholm, Rubio said there had been limited progress in efforts to reach a deal with Tehran, nearly three months into aconflict that has shaken the Middle East and triggered a global energy crisis.

“There’s been some progress. I wouldn’t exaggerate it. I wouldn’t diminish it,” Rubio told reporters. “There’s more work to be done. We’re not there yet. I hope we get there.”

However, Rubio warned that if diplomacy collapses, President Donald Trump “has other options,” while adding that contingency planning may eventually involve NATO.

The talks came as Iran’s foreign minister reportedly met with Pakistan’s interior minister in Tehran, while Qatar dispatched negotiators to Iran in coordination with Washington to narrow remaining differences.

STRAIT OF HORMUZ CRISIS

Major sticking points reportedly include Iran’s stockpile of highly enriched uranium and Tehran’s control over the Strait of Hormuz, the narrow waterway between Iran and Oman through which about 20 percent of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas supplies pass.

Iran’s restrictions and proposed tolling system for ships using the strait have sharply reduced commercial traffic and fueled soaring global energy prices.

Rubio called Iran’s plans for the waterway “unacceptable.”

“We’re dealing with a very difficult group of people,” he said.

World markets have remained volatile amid fears the crisis could deepen further if negotiations collapse.

Oil prices rose again on Friday while the U.S. dollar hovered near a six-week high as investors questioned whether a breakthrough remained possible.

ISRAEL WAR CONTINUES

The crisis follows months of escalating conflict involving Israel and Iran-backed regional militias, including Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon.

The United States and Israel say their goals include curbing Iran’s nuclear ambitions, weakening its missile and drone capabilities, and reducing Tehran’s support for armed proxy groups across the Middle East.

Israeli officials have repeatedly warned that Iran’s stockpile of near-weapons-grade enriched uranium poses a direct threat to Israel’s security, though Tehran insists its nuclear activities are for peaceful purposes.

Despite heavy military pressure and international sanctions, Iran has retained much of its enriched uranium stockpile and continues to project influence through allied militias in the region.

GLOBAL ECONOMIC FEARS

The conflict has increasingly rattled global markets and economies, with sharply higher oil prices stoking fears of renewed inflation and economic instability worldwide.

Analysts said uncertainty surrounding the negotiations has added to investor anxiety ahead of the U.S. midterm elections, as Americans increasingly grow frustrated by rising fuel prices.

Yet shipping traffic through the Strait of Hormuz remains far below normal levels, underscoring fears that the conflict could still widen despite ongoing diplomatic efforts.

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