Trump Slams NATO as Strait of Hormuz Remains Closed, Oil Prices Surge

President Trump has sharply criticized NATO allies for declining to assist in securing the Strait of Hormuz amid the ongoing US-Israel war with Iran.

President Donald Trump launched a scathing attack on NATO allies Friday, accusing them of cowardice for refusing to support the US-Israel military operation against Iran and for failing to assist in securing the vital Strait of Hormuz. The conflict, which began on February 28 with US-Israeli strikes, has effectively shut down the crucial shipping lane, impacting global markets and raising concerns about oil supplies.

Trump took to his Truth Social platform, labeling NATO countries “COWARDS, and we will REMEMBER!” His criticism centers on the perception that allies are unwilling to share the burden of ensuring safe passage through the Strait, despite the resulting impact on global oil prices.

“Now that fight is militarily WON, with very little danger for them, they complain about the high oil prices they are forced to ⁠pay, but don’t want to help open ⁠the Strait of Hormuz, a simple military maneuver that is the single reason for the high oil prices. So easy for them to do, with so ⁠little risk,” Trump wrote. The President’s claim that the fight is “militarily WON” has not been independently confirmed.

The US president’s remarks follow a period of seeking support from allies to patrol the Strait of Hormuz, a request that was reportedly met with resistance. This latest outburst underscores a long-standing tension within the Trump administration regarding burden-sharing and the perceived lack of commitment from European partners. NBC News reported earlier this week that Trump had dropped his push for allied assistance after receiving a “chilly response.”

UK Shifts Position, Allows US Base Access

In a notable shift, the United Kingdom announced Friday it would permit the United States to utilize its bases for operations related to the conflict. According to a statement from Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s office, the decision stems from a determination to engage in “collective self-defence of the region.”

Specifically, the UK will allow the US to conduct defensive operations aimed at degrading Iranian missile sites and capabilities used to target ships in the Strait of Hormuz. This represents a change from previous reluctance and signals a strengthening of the US-UK alliance in the face of Iranian aggression.

NATO Adjusts Iraq Mission

Meanwhile, NATO announced it is “adjusting” its mission in Iraq, following the temporary withdrawal of its non-combat force due to the escalating conflict. NATO spokesperson Allison Hart confirmed the adjustment, while General Alexus Grynkewich, NATO’s supreme allied commander Europe, announced the relocation of all personnel to Europe. The move reflects the heightened security risks in the region and the need to protect alliance forces.

The situation highlights the complex geopolitical dynamics at play, with the US and Israel taking a leading role in confronting Iran, while European allies grapple with balancing their security interests and maintaining diplomatic efforts.

European Summit Focuses on Energy Markets

The fallout from the US-Israel war on Iran dominated discussions at a two-day European Union summit in Brussels. A key concern is the impact on energy markets, particularly oil prices, which have surged due to the disruption of shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. Al Jazeera’s Step Vaessen, reporting from Brussels, noted that the EU has yet to reach a consensus on measures to address the energy crisis.

“Leaders discussed at length reforming a so-called energy trading system … but the general consensus was that there is no consensus,” Vaessen reported. The EU is facing the prospect of high energy costs and potential economic repercussions as a result of the conflict.

Background: The Strategic Importance of the Strait of Hormuz

The Strait of Hormuz is a narrow waterway connecting the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea. It is one of the world’s most strategically important chokepoints for oil and gas, with approximately 20% of global oil consumption passing through it daily. Control of the Strait is therefore critical for ensuring global energy security.

Iran has repeatedly threatened to close the Strait in response to sanctions and military pressure. In recent weeks, Iranian forces have engaged in attacks on tankers in the region, further escalating tensions and disrupting shipping. The US and its allies have accused Iran of destabilizing the region and violating international law. The Hill reported on the perilous options facing the US in attempting to reopen the Strait.