U.S. President Donald Trump has lashed out at NATO allies over their reluctance to back a proposed mission to secure the Strait of Hormuz, insisting United States is prepared to act independently against Iran.
Speaking at the White House during a meeting with Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin, Trump described the alliance’s stance as a failure of commitment, arguing it exposed long-standing doubts about NATO’s reliability.
“I think NATO is making a very foolish mistake,” Trump said, adding that the situation served as a critical test of whether the alliance would support the United States when needed.
The remarks followed a decision by several U.S. partners to stay out of a proposed naval effort aimed at protecting shipping lanes in the strategically vital waterway. French President Emmanuel Macron made clear that France would not participate under current conditions, stressing that stability in the region must come first.
Despite the resistance, Trump maintained that U.S. military strength makes outside support unnecessary. He reiterated that Washington has already achieved significant operational success and could proceed without NATO involvement.
The U.S. leader broadened his criticism beyond Europe, accusing allies such as Japan, Australia and South Korea of hesitating to engage. He again characterized NATO as a “one-way street” and hinted that Washington could reassess its relationship with the alliance, though he stopped short of outlining immediate policy changes.
Trump also singled out British Prime Minister Keir Starmer for what he described as a lack of support, calling it a “big mistake,” while dismissing Macron’s position and suggesting the French leader’s tenure is nearing its end.
Tensions in the Strait of Hormuz have escalated after Iran targeted regional energy infrastructure and issued threats against oil tankers, disrupting one of the world’s most critical النفط transit routes. The waterway is a key artery for global crude supply, and instability there has already contributed to rising oil prices.
While Trump described the ongoing situation as “just a military operation,” he offered few details about long-term U.S. objectives, including any plans regarding Iran’s leadership. The broader conflict continues to intensify across the Middle East, placing increasing pressure on U.S. allies to define their positions amid growing geopolitical and economic risks.
