Former U.S. President Donald Trump has issued a stark warning to NATO allies, stating the alliance faces a "very bad" future if European members refuse to assist in securing the Strait of Hormuz. The critical waterway, which carries roughly 20% of the world's oil supply, was blocked by Iran following attacks by the United States and Israel.
In a telephone interview with the Financial Times, Trump appealed directly to several nations, including China, France, Japan, South Korea, and the United Kingdom, to join a policing effort. He emphasized that beneficiaries of the strait should help ensure its security. Trump specifically pointed to China's heavy reliance on the route, claiming Beijing receives around 90% of its oil through it.
The geopolitical standoff has escalated to potentially delay a major diplomatic summit. Trump indicated he may postpone his planned late-March meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing if China does not respond to his request for help in reopening the strait. High-level U.S.-Chinese talks occurred in Paris over the weekend ahead of the scheduled summit.
Trump's call for NATO involvement has been met with resistance from European allies. UK Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden stated the conflict is "not a NATO war" but rather "US-Israeli action," a sentiment echoed by former UK Chief of Defence Staff General Sir Nick Carter.
Meanwhile, the regional conflict continues to intensify. Israel has begun "limited and targeted ground operations" against Iran-backed Hezbollah in southern Lebanon, with heavy bombing reported in Tehran. Saudi Arabia intercepted dozens of drones, and Dubai International Airport temporarily halted flights due to a "drone-related incident." U.S. officials have predicted the conflict could end within weeks, but Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi has firmly rejected calls for a ceasefire or negotiations.
