BRUSSELS

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte on Thursday reaffirmed the alliance's unity and readiness to protect shared interests, saying allies are working to "find solutions" amid rising tensions in the Strait of Hormuz.

Speaking alongside Romanian President Nicusor Dan in Brussels, Rutte highlighted Romania's strategic role on NATO's eastern flank and in the Black Sea, calling Romania a "vital reason for our shared security."

He emphasized NATO's operational readiness, citing recent air patrols with Romanian F‑16s and the interception of ballistic missiles headed for Türkiye.

"We are vigilant and prepared to defend every inch of allied territory,” he said. “We stand together, and we have the vital capabilities we need to ensure our defense, including ballistic missile defense.”

Turning to the war in the Middle East, Rutte stressed that allies agreed that the Strait of Hormuz "cannot stay closed."

"It has to open up again as soon as possible. This is crucial for world economy. It is also crucial because it's unacceptable if a key sea lane is closed, or it is so difficult to use that sea lane because of all the threats currently there," he stressed.

Rutte noted that allies are discussing amongst each other and with the US, finding "the best way forward to tackle this huge security issue."

"I'm confident that allies, as always, will do everything in support of our shared interests, as we always do, so we will find a way forward," he added.

Tensions in the Middle East remain high since the US and Israel initiated a large-scale military campaign against Iran, so far killing more than 1,300 people, including then-Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.

Iran has retaliated with drone and missile attacks across the region and has effectively closed for most ships the Strait of Hormuz, a key oil transit route that normally handles 20 million barrels per day, and roughly 20% of global liquefied natural gas trade.

President Nicusor Dan reaffirmed Romania's security as a NATO member, and highlighted Bucharest's decision to host US defensive equipment as a clear demonstration of allied solidarity.

Later Thursday, Rutte met Bulgarian Prime Minister Andrey Gurov, who described the current period as "very volatile," highlighting the Black Sea region, which he said has shifted from a corridor of trade to an "arena for geopolitical confrontation."

"Bulgaria remains steadfast in its commitments to NATO," said Gurov, adding that even as a caretaker government, his role is to "stay the course" and remain fully aligned with NATO decisions.