WASHINGTON — Finnish President Alexander Stubb says that a US blockade strategy toward Iran “makes sense” from Washington’s perspective, while warning of significant uncertainties and escalation risks.
Speaking in Washington on April 13, during a visit for meetings and policy events in the US capital, Stubb argued that the consequences of the conflict had proven broader than expected, particularly due to the strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz.
“The blockade, from an American perspective, I would say, makes sense, if it works out,” he said, adding that it could give the US leverage but also raising concerns about potential tensions with other powers.
Stubb said negotiations between Washington and Tehran were continuing at a lower level, which he described as a positive sign. However, he cautioned that any resolution could take time, noting the years-long process behind the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, a landmark 2015 Iran nuclear deal, which has since unraveled after the US withdrew in 2018 and Tehran scaled back on compliance.
Stubb added that “Iran holds a lot of the cards right now.”
The Finnish leader also warned of the risk of broader regional escalation, saying conflicts were increasingly shifting from local to regional in scope. “I am extremely concerned about the escalation,” he said.
On the role of NATO, Stubb emphasized that the alliance remained defensive and was not directly engaged in the crisis, with any support for US actions likely to take place through a “coalition of the willing” rather than NATO structures.
He also said he “fully understand[s] the American perspective” regarding expectations of allied support, including access to bases, though such arrangements are governed by bilateral agreements.
European countries are focusing on de-escalation efforts, including maintaining freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, he said.
