Donald Trump has warned that North Atlantic Treaty Organization could face a “very bad” future if allies fail to support efforts to reopen the Strait of Hormuz during the escalating conflict involving Iran.
In an interview with Financial Times, Trump said countries that rely heavily on Gulf oil should help secure the waterway, through which about one-fifth of global oil supply normally passes.
“It’s only appropriate that people who are the beneficiaries of the Strait will help to make sure that nothing bad happens there,” he said.
Trump argued that Europe and Asian economies depend more on oil shipments from the region than the United States and should therefore contribute forces to a US-led mission to protect commercial vessels.
“If there’s no response or if it’s a negative response, I think it will be very bad for the future of NATO,” he added.
The warning comes as global oil prices surge amid the conflict between the United States, Israel and Iran. International crude prices have climbed to about $106 per barrel after tensions escalated across the Middle East.
Trump said NATO could provide support ranging from minesweepers to naval units capable of protecting ships and responding to threats along Iran’s coastline.
The US president also suggested he could delay a planned summit with Xi Jinping as Washington pressures Beijing to support efforts to reopen the strait.
“I think China should help too because China gets 90 percent of its oil from the straits,” Trump said.
Meanwhile, Iran signalled it might allow vessels from countries other than the US and Israel to pass through the waterway, a move seen by analysts as an attempt to weaken a potential international coalition.
Trump also expressed frustration with the United Kingdom after speaking with Prime Minister Keir Starmer, saying Britain had been slow to commit naval support.
The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world’s most important energy corridors, linking oil producers in the Persian Gulf to global markets. Any prolonged disruption to the route could deepen the current surge in fuel prices and increase pressure on international economies.
