Trump Blasts NATO As ‘Cowards’ Over Refusal To Help Secure Strait Of Hormuz
President Donald Trump sharply criticized NATO allies Friday morning after several member nations declined to assist in securing the Strait of Hormuz amid ongoing tensions with Iran.
“Without the U.S.A., NATO IS A PAPER TIGER!” Trump wrote on Truth Social.
He accused allied nations of refusing to support efforts to confront Iran while still benefiting from American military action.
“They didn’t want to join the fight to stop a nuclear-powered Iran,” Trump said.
“Now that fight is militarily won… they complain about the high oil prices… but don’t want to help open the Strait of Hormuz.”
Trump described the mission to secure the critical shipping lane as low-risk and straightforward.
“So easy for them to do, with so little risk,” he wrote. “COWARDS, and we will REMEMBER!”
The remarks come as Iran continues to restrict access to the Strait of Hormuz, a key global oil transit route responsible for roughly 20% of the world’s oil supply.
The disruption has driven energy prices sharply higher, with Brent crude remaining above $100 per barrel.
Despite declining to join direct military operations, several U.S. allies issued a joint statement signaling limited willingness to assist.
The United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, and Canada said they were prepared to contribute to efforts ensuring safe passage through the strait.
“We express our readiness to contribute to appropriate efforts to ensure safe passage,” the statement read.
Trump had previously floated deploying U.S. naval escorts for commercial vessels and introduced a $20 billion reinsurance program to encourage shipping traffic, though participation has remained limited.
Meanwhile, the U.S. military is escalating operations in the region.
Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Dan Caine said additional aircraft have been deployed to counter Iranian threats.
A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft are actively targeting fast-attack boats in the strait, while AH-64 Apache helicopters have joined operations on the southern flank.
The United States has also deployed a Marine Corps expeditionary group expected to arrive in the region by the end of the month.
The standoff is already having global economic consequences.
Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi warned that the situation could deliver a significant blow to the global economy as energy costs surge.
Trump’s comments highlight growing frustration within the administration over what it sees as uneven burden-sharing among allies during a critical geopolitical flashpoint.