Donald Trump has intensified pressure on European allies to contribute to protecting the Strait of Hormuz, warning that Nato faces a "very bad" future if members fail to support Washington's efforts. The US president's call comes after the waterway was effectively closed by Tehran in retaliation for airstrikes by the US and Israel, causing the largest oil supply disruption in history and sending global prices soaring.
In an interview with the Financial Times, Mr Trump said it was "only appropriate" that countries benefiting from the strait should help ensure its safety. He warned that a negative response would be "very bad for the future of Nato". EU foreign ministers are due to discuss bolstering a small naval mission in the Middle East on Monday, but no decision is expected on extending its role to the strait.
Mr Trump also indicated he "may delay" a summit with China's president, Xi Jinping, as he pressed Beijing to assist in unblocking the waterway. He noted that China obtains 90% of its oil through the strait. He said he had already contacted seven countries for support, though he declined to name them, having earlier listed China, France, Japan, South Korea and Britain as potential participants.
Several allies have so far resisted the appeal. Japan's prime minister, Sanae Takaichi, said Tokyo did not currently plan to dispatch naval vessels, and the US has yet to make a formal request. Japan has begun releasing oil reserves for the first time since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, with 15 days' worth of private-sector reserves to be followed by a month of state-held oil. Defence minister Shinjiro Koizumi cautioned that what was technically possible differed from what should be done.
Australia's transport minister, Catherine King, said Canberra would not be sending a ship. The UK is considering deploying aerial minesweepers, but officials warned that sending ships could worsen the volatile situation. France stressed its current posture was focused on regional stability, while South Korea said it would decide after careful review.
