diff --git a/scripts/west_commands/runners/jlink.py b/scripts/west_commands/runners/jlink.py
index ce500490349..21a510e2721 100644
--- a/scripts/west_commands/runners/jlink.py
+++ b/scripts/west_commands/runners/jlink.py
@@ -37,7 +37,7 @@ def is_ip(ip):
     return True
 
 def is_tunnel(tunnel):
-    return tunnel.startswith("tunnel:")
+    return tunnel.startswith("tunnel:") if tunnel else False
 
 class ToggleAction(argparse.Action):