President Donald Trump warned Sunday that NATO could face serious consequences if member nations refuse to help the United States secure the Strait of Hormuz amid the ongoing war with Iran.
Trump made the remarks as his administration began reaching out to allied countries about assisting in protecting the critical maritime corridor.
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most important energy chokepoints, with roughly 20 percent of global oil supplies passing through the narrow waterway.
Iran has repeatedly threatened to keep the strait closed while the conflict continues.
Trump argued that countries benefiting from the route have a responsibility to help defend it.
“It’s only appropriate that people who are the beneficiaries of the strait will help to make sure that nothing bad happens there,” Trump said in an interview with the Financial Times.
He warned that a lack of support from NATO allies could damage the alliance itself.
“If there’s no response or if it’s a negative response I think it will be very bad for the future of NATO,” Trump said.
The president reiterated his position while speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One as he returned to Washington.
“We are talking to other countries about working with us on the policing of the strait and I think we’re getting a good response,” Trump said.
“If we do, that’s great. And if we don’t, that’s great, too,” he added.
Trump also pointed to the United States’ ongoing support for Europe during the war in Ukraine.
“We’re always there for NATO. We’re helping them win Ukraine,” Trump said.
“It’ll be interesting to see what country wouldn’t help us with a very small endeavor, which is just keeping the strait open,” he continued.
Trump said the task should be relatively limited given the damage already inflicted on Iran’s military.
He noted that Tehran’s forces now have “very little firepower left” following weeks of U.S. and Israeli strikes.
The president also suggested that other major powers should contribute to the effort.
Trump specifically mentioned China, noting that the country receives roughly 90 percent of its oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz.
He is expected to meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping later this month.
European leaders signaled that discussions are underway about how the region might respond.
European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said the bloc is examining options to help keep the shipping route open.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer also said the United Kingdom is exploring participation in a “viable collective plan,” though he emphasized that Britain would not be drawn into a broader war.
Iran, meanwhile, reiterated its threat to keep the strait closed.
Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei said Iran’s military forces were controlling transit through the waterway.
“The Strait of Hormuz will not be open to any country intending to harm Iran,” Baghaei said.
The escalating tensions have already begun impacting global energy markets.
Brent crude oil rose above $100 per barrel Monday, reaching as high as $106.27 during trading.
Gas prices in the United States have also climbed sharply, rising from about $2.92 per gallon a month ago to roughly $3.71 nationwide.
The post Trump Warns NATO’s Future Could Be ‘Very Bad’ If Allies Refuse To Help Secure Strait Of Hormuz appeared first on Real News Now.
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