Donald Trump has said the United States does not need Nato after being rebuffed by several member countries over his appeal for a multinational naval force to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, which was closed by Iran. Speaking from the Oval Office, the US president described the rejection as a 'very foolish mistake', adding without evidence that 'everyone agrees with us, but they don’t want to help'. He said it was 'pretty shocking' and 'unfair' to the US.
Trump targeted British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, expressing disappointment and claiming the relationship with the UK had been good before Starmer took office. Starmer had said the UK would not be drawn into a wider war, and British government sources indicated no plan for UK ships in the strait. Trump also criticised Japan, Australia and South Korea for refusing to send warships, posting on Truth Social: 'Because of the fact that we have had such Military Success, we no longer “need,” or desire, the Nato Countries’ assistance _ WE NEVER DID!'
The remarks came amid an escalating Middle East crisis, with Iran attacking cargo vessels in the strait, halting oil shipments and pushing global oil prices above $100 per barrel. Iran has vowed not to allow 'even a single litre' to reach its enemies. Trump dismissed concerns about potential ground operations, saying he was 'not afraid of anything' when asked about a possible Vietnam-style quagmire.
Reuters reported that the White House was encouraging Syria’s regime to help disarm Hezbollah in eastern Lebanon, a proposal that could pit former al-Nusra Front fighters against Shia Hezbollah forces. Trump’s messaging remained contradictory, refusing to give a timeline for withdrawal while boasting of military successes. The Washington Post reported that senior Israeli officials told US diplomats that Iranian protesters would 'get slaughtered' if they took to the streets.
Iran launched fresh attacks across the Gulf on Tuesday, widening the conflict. Qatar intercepted a missile, with debris causing a fire but no casualties. The UAE briefly shut airspace due to missile and drone threats. In Iraq, drone and rocket attacks struck near the US embassy in Baghdad, and a separate strike killed four people at a house hosting Iranian advisers. Explosions were reported across Iran, including in Tehran, Ahvaz, Isfahan and Shiraz.
