U.S. President Donald Trump on Friday branded NATO allies “cowards” for not providing military assistance to help restore shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a vital global oil and gas chokepoint disrupted by the Iran war.vIn a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump wrote: “Without the U.S.A., NATO IS A PAPER TIGER!” He accused allies of refusing to “help open the Strait of Hormuz,” which he described as an “easy” operation, while complaining about surging oil prices. “COWARDS, and we will REMEMBER!” he added.
Trump’s remarks reflect a growing split with partners over the widening conflict that began on February 28, when the U.S. and Israel launched strikes against Iran, prompting Tehran’s retaliation across the region and renewed instability in Gulf airspace and waters.
They also come after a group of major U.S. allies—including Britain, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Japan and Canada—issued a statement saying they were ready to “contribute to appropriate efforts” to support safe maritime passage, but several governments indicated they would not take part in any mission before a cessation of hostilities or a truce.
The United States has stepped up pressure on partners in recent days as commercial shipping has been disrupted and energy prices have jumped. Insurers and shippers have raised concerns about operating without adequate war-risk coverage, and Reuters reported on Friday that Chubb launched a war-risk facility linked to a U.S.-backed maritime reinsurance plan intended to help ships resume transits through the strait.
Trump has alternated between insisting U.S. forces can secure the waterway without assistance and criticising allies for failing to contribute, as Washington faces the economic and strategic consequences of the disruption.
