'NATO Has Never Played an Important Role in Middle East Conflicts'
Jens Stoltenberg, the former NATO secretary general now serving as Norway's Finance Minister, sat down with CBC's The House this week to offer his assessment of the escalating conflict in the Middle East, and his message was one of cautious reassurance mixed with deeper concern.
Two weeks ago, the U.S. and Israel launched air attacks across Iran. In response, Tehran closed the Strait of Hormuz, sending oil prices soaring to as high as $100 USD per barrel. The human toll has been severe: over 1,300 killed in Iran, 12 in Israel, and at least 11 U.S. soldiers dead with eight more severely injured.
NATO Staying Out, For Now
On the question of whether NATO allies will be dragged into the fight, Stoltenberg was clear: "NATO has never played any important role in important Middle East conflicts. I think it's important to prevent NATO from becoming involved in the conflict."
He believes allied nations will remain cautious, a view consistent with reporting that no country had publicly committed to deploying warships alongside the U.S. despite Trump's repeated requests.
The Russia Problem
But Stoltenberg's deeper worry isn't about NATO getting drawn in militarily. It's about Russia. The conflict in the Middle East is consuming global attention and resources, pulling focus away from Ukraine at a critical moment.
He expressed particular concern over U.S. decisions to exempt Russian oil from sanctions for 30 days, a move he views as inadvertently supporting Moscow's war economy while the world looks the other way at the Strait of Hormuz.
Rising oil prices, driven by the Iranian blockade, are also benefiting Russia's energy-dependent economy at the worst possible time.
Economic Consequences for Canada
For Canada, the ripple effects are real. Elevated oil prices are hitting consumers at the pump, with national gas prices climbing toward record levels. Supply chain disruptions through the Strait of Hormuz are also affecting fertilizer markets, raising concerns for Canadian farmers heading into spring planting season.
Stoltenberg said his anxiety comes from "the combination of the human suffering with the economic consequences", a sentiment many Canadians watching their heating bills and grocery receipts would understand.
Source: CBC News
