NATO is now considering helping protect ships in the Strait of Hormuz, a shift that raises the risk of a wider war.

• NATO is weighing a mission to guard ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz.
• Just weeks ago, NATO countries were refusing to let the US use their bases or airspace for the Iran conflict.
• Bringing more Western militaries into the region raises the chance of a broader war.
• The other side of the debate: empty tankers with civilian sailors are gathering near one of the biggest targets, so some protection makes sense.
• The ships involved are owned by many different countries, which is part of why NATO is being pulled in.

Outlook: More Western military involvement near Iran is likely in the short term, which pushes the risk of a wider conflict higher.