President Donald Trump is warning that NATO could face serious consequences if US allies do not step in to help reopen the Strait of Hormuz after Iran’s actions disrupted the vital shipping route.
In an interview published Sunday by the Financial Times, Trump said countries that depend heavily on oil passing through the strait should assist the United States in securing it. He argued the burden should not fall only on Washington.
“It’s only appropriate that people who are the beneficiaries of the strait will help to make sure that nothing bad happens there.”
Trump added that failure by allies to respond could have consequences for the alliance.
“If there’s no response or if it’s a negative response, I think it will be very bad for the future of NATO.”
The warning comes as tensions in the Middle East have rattled global energy markets and disrupted shipping through one of the world’s most critical oil corridors. Roughly one-fifth of global oil supply typically passes through the Strait of Hormuz, which connects the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and the open ocean.
Iran recently announced it would target ships using the waterway, a move that has effectively shut down traffic through the strait. The disruption followed US and Israeli airstrikes and has caused sharp increases in oil prices.
Crude prices have surged from about $65 per barrel to more than $100 as supply fears spread through global markets.
Trump has been urging allied countries to send naval forces to help reopen the route. According to reporting from Dubai, several nations including the United Kingdom, Japan, China, and South Korea have not yet committed to deploying warships and say they are still reviewing their options.
The president also suggested that China should take a more active role given its reliance on Gulf oil shipments. Trump indicated he could delay a planned summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping later this month while pressing Beijing to help address the situation.
Trump said Europe and China rely more heavily on Persian Gulf oil than the United States, which he said makes their participation essential in restoring shipping through the strait.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump said multiple countries were expected to participate alongside the United States.
“Many countries, especially those who are affected by Iran’s attempted closure of the Hormuz strait, will be sending war ships, in conjunction with the United States of America, to keep the strait open and safe.”
He later expanded the appeal, urging all nations that receive oil shipments through the strait to provide naval support to protect the route and ensure it remains operational.
