NATO sets deadline: if the Strait of Hormuz is not opened by early July, it is planned to deploy troops for escort According to a senior NATO official, if the Strait of Hormuz is not reopened by early July, NATO is discussing the possibility of deploying troops to help ships pass through the blocked waterway. A diplomat from a NATO country stated that this idea has received support from several NATO member states, but has not yet obtained the necessary unanimous agreement. This move will mark a shift in NATO's war strategy towards Iran. Senior NATO officials have stated that although some allies still oppose approving NATO's mission in the strait, they will instead support this idea if the blockade continues. Leaders of NATO member states will hold a meeting in Ankara on July 7-8.