Lithuanian president warns NATO divisions over US request on Iran create confusion

Lithuania’s President Gitanas Nausėda has expressed concern that disagreements among NATO allies over US requests for support in its campaign against Iran risk creating confusion within the alliance, state broadcaster LRT reported on Tuesday.

Speaking to LRT Television, Nausėda acknowledged that any lack of unity—particularly when the US, NATO’s largest member, initiates action—raises risks at a critical time ahead of the alliance’s July summit in Ankara.

“Any disagreements among NATO allies, regardless of the issue—especially when the initiative comes from the alliance’s largest member—create confusion,” he said. “This increases risks, and it is vital we remain united now.”

Nausėda stressed that the US campaign aims to curb Iran’s nuclear ambitions and halt what Washington describes as the regime’s brutal treatment of its citizens. “I understand that the US expects solidarity from its allies,” he added, noting that some European members may hesitate due to fears of potential terrorist retaliation, as “the Iranian regime is vengeful.”

Earlier this week, Foreign Minister Kęstutis Budrys stated that NATO should seriously discuss assisting the US in the Strait of Hormuz, where Iran has blocked shipping in response to US and Israeli strikes. While Lithuania has not yet considered direct military involvement, Defence Chief Raimundas Vaikšnoras previously suggested the country could contribute by providing airspace or bases for US operations—though he clarified no political decisions had been made.

Nausėda has previously indicated Lithuania could offer logistical support if requested, in line with its NATO obligations.

The tensions follow a February 28 Israeli announcement of “preventive strikes” against Iran to “eliminate threats to Israel,” alongside US attacks. Iran’s retaliatory strikes disrupted shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical route for a fifth of global oil transport.