Latvian Defence Minister Andris Sprūds has stated unequivocally that he has “no doubt” the United States would come to the aid of NATO allies if the alliance’s mutual defence clause, Article 5, were invoked. Speaking to Euronews, Sprūds emphasised that on a practical and military level, the relationship between Washington and its European partners remains robust, even as political rhetoric from the White House has caused friction.
“I see that the alliance remains strong, that it is one for all, all for one, that it is beneficial for all member states, including the United States,” Sprūds said. He added that he prefers to focus on “practical cooperation” rather than the denigrating public statements emanating from the Trump administration.
The minister’s remarks come at a time when transatlantic ties have reached a historic low since Donald Trump’s return to the presidency. Trump has publicly criticised NATO allies for not supporting US operations in the Middle East and has repeatedly threatened to withdraw from the alliance. The ongoing conflict with Iran has further strained relations, raising concerns about the diversion of US military resources away from Europe.
Weapons Shortages and European Security
Asked whether the Iran war risks diverting US-made weapons and military hardware from Ukraine and Europe to the Middle East, Sprūds acknowledged potential shortages. “We might see some shortages, and some countries have admitted it, that actually there are some delays,” he said, though he attributed these to broader limitations in the global defence industry rather than a deliberate shift in priorities.
In the run-up to its initial attacks on Iran in late February, the US carried out its largest build-up of military assets in the Middle East since the 2003 invasion of Iraq. US officials have warned some European nations of potential delays to previously approved orders of American-made weapons due to stockpile strain. The Nordic and Baltic countries are feared to be particularly affected, a concern that resonates deeply in Riga and other capitals along NATO’s eastern flank.
This situation underscores the urgency of Europe’s own defence modernisation. As Estonian President Urges EU Defence Buildup to Avoid Testing NATO's Core Commitment, the need for European strategic autonomy has never been more pressing.
Strait of Hormuz: A European Role
Sprūds also indicated that there is an appetite in Europe to contribute to the re-opening of the Strait of Hormuz, the strategic waterway that has been effectively closed for the past two months amid hostilities in the Middle East, prompting a global energy shock. He added that Latvia stood ready to contribute to joint European efforts to reopen the Strait once hostilities had ended.
France and the United Kingdom are jointly spearheading efforts to prepare a mission to the Strait, with NATO military planners developing the plan. While details remain scarce, officials say the focus would be on both restoring free navigation and demining efforts. The crisis in the Strait has already had ripple effects across Europe, driving up energy prices and testing the continent’s resolve to act collectively.
The broader geopolitical context was also discussed at a recent summit in Cyprus, where EU Leaders in Cyprus Tackle Ukraine, Hormuz Crisis, and Mutual Defence Clause, highlighting the interconnected nature of these challenges.
Sprūds’ confidence in US support under Article 5 is notable, but it also reflects a wider sentiment among Baltic and Nordic states that rely heavily on the American security guarantee. However, as the war in Ukraine continues and global tensions mount, European leaders are increasingly aware that they cannot take Washington’s commitment for granted. The minister’s remarks serve as both a reassurance and a reminder: the alliance works best when all members contribute meaningfully.
