U.S. President Donald Trump has sharply criticised Western and other global allies after they refused his call to send military forces to help secure the strategic Strait of Hormuz amid escalating conflict with Iran. Trump accused some NATO members and partner countries of ingratitude and not showing enough enthusiasm for supporting efforts to “reopen” the vital waterway, which handles roughly 20% of the world’s oil shipments and has been disrupted by Iranian actions in response to ongoing U.S. and Israeli strikes.
European leaders, including those from Germany, France and the United Kingdom, have ruled out deploying warships as part of military operations, favouring diplomatic approaches and caution to avoid widening the Middle East conflict. France’s president reiterated that Paris would only consider involvement once hostilities eased.
In response to the rebuff, Trump said the United States could act independently, arguing it did not truly need allied support. The divergence highlights growing strains between Washington and traditional partners over the Iran crisis and sets up potential longer‑term tensions within alliances.