WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump has issued a stark warning to NATO allies, suggesting the alliance’s future would be “very bad” if member states fail to assist in efforts to secure the Strait of Hormuz.
In an interview with a British newspaper, President Trump discussed ongoing tensions with Iran and the need for international cooperation to protect the vital waterway. “We are talking to Iran, but I don’t think they are ready,” Trump said, while simultaneously calling for a global coalition to ensure the strait remains open.
Trump revealed that he is in discussions with seven countries regarding the Strait of Hormuz, specifically asking them to help secure the strategic channel. He confirmed that Israel is already working with the US on these efforts.
The President’s comments carried a direct threat to NATO’s stability if allies do not participate. According to the newspaper, Trump warned that if NATO does not help open the Strait of Hormuz, the alliance’s future will be “very bad.”
In a broader appeal, President Trump stated, “It would only be appropriate if those who benefit from the Strait of Hormuz help ensure that nothing bad happens there.” He also indicated that a scheduled meeting with the President of China at the end of the month might be delayed, though he did not explicitly link the potential delay to the situation in the Gulf.
The appeal for a naval coalition was initially made on Saturday, when Trump called on nations around the world, including China, to help open the strait. He had expressed hope that China, France, Japan, South Korea, Britain, and other countries would deploy warships to the region.
However, the President’s call to action has been met with a muted response from the international community. To date, no country has officially announced plans to send ships to the area in response to Trump’s appeal, highlighting the diplomatic challenge of forming a broa
d coalition.
