Donald Trump has said the United States does not need NATO after several member countries rebuffed his appeal for a multinational naval force to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, which Iran has closed to trade. Speaking from the Oval Office, the US president described the rejection as a “very foolish mistake”, adding without evidence: “Everyone agrees with us, but they don’t want to help.”
Trump said he thought Europe would have sent minesweepers to assist with the operation, calling the lack of support “unfair” to the US. He also expressed disappointment with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, noting that the relationship with the UK had been good before Starmer took office. Starmer had stated on Monday that while the UK would defend itself and its allies, it would not be drawn into a wider war, and government sources said there was no plan to deploy UK ships in the strait.
In a post on his Truth Social network, Trump singled out Japan, Australia and South Korea for refusing to send warships, writing: “Because of the fact that we have had such Military Success, we no longer ‘need,’ or desire, the Nato Countries’ assistance — WE NEVER DID!” His remarks came amid an escalating Middle East crisis, with Iran attacking cargo vessels in the strait, halting oil shipments and driving global oil prices above $100 per barrel.
Trump dismissed concerns about potential ground operations by US or Israeli forces, saying he was “not afraid of anything” when asked about the risk of a Vietnam-style quagmire. Meanwhile, Reuters reported that the White House was encouraging the Syrian regime to help disarm Hezbollah in eastern Lebanon. Trump’s messaging remained contradictory, as he refused to give a timeline for withdrawal while boasting of military successes, stating: “If we left right now it would take 10 years for them to rebuild.”
Iran launched fresh attacks across the Gulf on Tuesday, widening the conflict. Qatar intercepted a missile, and the UAE briefly shut its 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 also reported across Iran, including in Tehran, Isfahan and Shiraz.
