Trump warns Nato allies over Strait of Hormuz security amid widening Middle East tensions
U.S. President Donald Trump warned that it would be “very bad for the future of Nato” if allied countries failed to help secure the Strait of Hormuz, a vital global oil shipping route, as tensions escalate across the Middle East.
In an interview with the Financial Times, Trump said he expected international partners, including China, to assist in ensuring the security of the strategic waterway, through which a large share of the world’s oil supplies passes.
The remarks come amid heightened regional tensions following military exchanges involving Israel, Iran and the Iran-backed Hezbollah movement in Lebanon.
Trump said Washington was discussing possible arrangements with several countries to help police the strait.
Aboard Air Force One, the U.S. president told reporters he was speaking with “about seven” countries regarding cooperation to secure the waterway.
“We are talking to about seven countries about policing the strait,” Trump said, adding that he would “remember” which countries offered assistance and which did not.
He also warned that failure by China to help address the situation could affect plans for a future summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping.
The Strait of Hormuz, located between Oman and Iran, is one of the world’s most critical maritime chokepoints, carrying a significant portion of global oil exports from Gulf producers to international markets.
Any disruption in the strait can have immediate implications for global energy supplies and oil prices.
The diplomatic tensions come as military activity across the region intensifies.
Israel said it had begun what it described as “limited and targeted ground operations” against Hezbollah positions in southern Lebanon.
Israeli authorities said the operations were aimed at neutralising threats posed by the Iran-backed armed group along the border region.
At the same time, heavy bombing was reported in Tehran as hostilities between Israel and Iranian-backed groups continued to escalate.
Iran and Hezbollah have launched missiles toward Israel, while Israeli forces have conducted strikes targeting militant infrastructure, according to regional media reports and officials.
Saudi Arabia said it intercepted and shot down dozens of drones overnight amid the rising tensions in the region.
The developments have also affected aviation operations in the Gulf.
Dubai International Airport, one of the world’s busiest air travel hubs, said flights would gradually resume after a “drone-related incident” disrupted operations earlier.
Airport authorities said safety checks were carried out before normal flight schedules began to resume.
The series of military exchanges and security concerns around key infrastructure have raised fears of a broader regional escalation that could affect global trade routes and energy supplies. [KNT]
