United States President Donald Trump sharply criticised NATO countries for declining to be involved in the war against Iran, and has said the U.S. does not need NATO’s help.
Trump had claimed in recent days that U.S. allies would send ships to escort vessels through the Strait of Hormuz, though none have agreed to do so. The strait, where around 20% of global oil flows would usually transit, remains largely closed by Iran.
“The United States has been informed by most of our NATO ‘Allies’ that they don’t want to get involved with our Military Operation against the Terrorist Regime of Iran, in the Middle East,” Trump, a longtime NATO critic, wrote on social media.
“Because of the fact that we have had such Military Success, we no longer “need,” or desire, the NATO Countries’ assistance — WE NEVER DID! Likewise, Japan, Australia, or South Korea.”
Trump also said NATO nations were “making a very foolish mistake” in a meeting with Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin today, though Ireland is not a NATO member.
Germany and Finland said this week that the war is not an issue for NATO, as the U.S. did not consult the bloc before beginning strikes on Iran. “NATO is indeed a defensive alliance, and we won't be dragged into any war of choice,” said Finnish Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen.
Trump’s repeated calls for joint escort missions in the Strait of Hormuz have been rebuffed by countries including Australia, Japan, and the United Kingdom. U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said these missions would begin once “militarily possible”.
While Trump claimed on Monday that some allies had agreed to join an escort coalition, he did not name the countries in question, only citing “great support” in the Middle East. No Middle Eastern nations have publicly committed to joining these missions.
Oil prices continued to rise after Trump’s comments, with Brent crude up 3.2% to US$103.40 per barrel by 9:55 am AEDT.
