US President Donald Trump today accused NATO countries of being cowards, vowing that the United States will remember their refusal to help protect the Strait of Hormuz.
Writing on Truth Social, the president claimed that without American support, NATO is merely a paper tiger. He alleged that member nations were unwilling to join the effort to stop a nuclear-armed Iran and are now complaining about high oil prices while refusing to assist in keeping the vital waterway open.
The president noted that the military battle had been won with little danger to the allies, yet they remain hesitant to commit resources to the Gulf. He concluded his social media post by labeling them cowards in capital letters, adding that the administration would not forget this stance.
Tensions over global oil chokepoint
The president has consistently called on European NATO members, as well as Japan and South Korea, to help secure the Strait of Hormuz. The passage is a critical chokepoint for the global hydrocarbon trade and has seen recent instability.
Iran has been attacking tankers attempting to transit the passage. These actions followed Tehran’s declaration that it would target vessels linked to the United States and Israel.
During a White House meeting on Thursday with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, the president indicated that Tokyo has shown openness to stepping up its involvement in defending the strait. He described the relationship with Japan as extraordinary and stated he expects the country to intensify its involvement.
Contrast between allies and regional partners
While praising Japan, the president paused to clarify that his positive assessment did not extend to NATO. He reiterated that the United States does not technically need external help, even though Washington has made multiple requests for other nations to join escort operations in the Gulf passage.
The president argued that the United States no longer relies on the Strait of Hormuz for its own energy trade. He stated that the US is defending the route for the benefit of everyone else rather than for its own consumption.
Despite the harsh criticism directed at the alliance, the president acknowledged at the White House that NATO allies are becoming more friendly in response to demands from Washington. However, the underlying tension regarding shared military and financial responsibility for maritime security remains a focal point of his foreign policy.
