Trump Slams NATO ‘Cowards’ Over Iran War Support as Strait of Hormuz Crisis Deepens
US President Donald Trump has sharply criticized NATO allies for refusing to support the ongoing US-Israel military campaign against Iran, as tensions escalate around the Strait of Hormuz and global oil markets remain volatile.
Trump, posting on his Truth Social platform on Friday, described NATO countries as “cowards” and warned that their stance would be remembered, accusing them of benefiting from US military action while avoiding participation.
The remarks come as the conflict, which began with US-Israeli strikes on February 28, continues to disrupt global energy supplies and shipping routes, with no immediate resolution in sight.
Trump argued that allied nations were unwilling to contribute militarily despite being affected by rising oil prices linked to instability in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global shipping corridor. He said reopening the strait would be a “simple military maneuver” requiring minimal risk from European forces.
According to US officials, Washington has urged allies to assist in securing maritime routes in the region, although several NATO members have expressed reluctance to enter the conflict directly.
In a notable shift, the United Kingdom announced it would permit the United States to use its military bases for operations described as “collective self-defence of the region.” A statement from Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s office said the decision includes support for US defensive actions targeting missile systems used against shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.
The move marks the first formal step by a major European power to expand operational support, though it stops short of direct combat involvement.
Meanwhile, NATO confirmed it is adjusting its mission in Iraq amid security concerns. Alliance spokesperson Allison Hart said the non-combat mission had been repositioned, while US Air Force General Alexus Grynkewich confirmed that personnel had been relocated to Europe.
The repositioning underscores growing regional instability as the conflict widens.
European leaders, however, signalled caution. French President Emmanuel Macron said following a European Union summit in Brussels that there was no appetite among member states to join the war, emphasising diplomacy and de-escalation.
“I have not heard anyone here express a willingness to enter this conflict,” Macron said, underlining divisions within the bloc.
Allegations and Legal Scrutiny Around Trump and Netanyahu
Former US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have both faced international criticism and legal scrutiny linked to military actions and policy decisions.
Benjamin Netanyahu is the subject of an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC) in connection with war crimes and crimes against humanity related to Israel’s military operations in Gaza. Israel rejects the ICC’s jurisdiction and denies the allegations.
Donald Trump, while not charged by the ICC, has faced criticism from international human rights groups over policies and military decisions during his presidency, including support for foreign military campaigns and actions affecting civilians. No international court has formally charged him with war crimes.
The economic impact of the conflict dominated discussions at the EU summit, with officials acknowledging rising energy prices and uncertainty in supply chains. The European Central Bank has already revised growth forecasts downward while increasing inflation projections.
Despite extended deliberations, EU leaders failed to reach consensus on coordinated measures to address the energy crisis, reflecting broader divisions over both economic and military responses to the conflict.
Analysts say the ongoing disruption in the Strait of Hormuz — through which a significant share of global oil shipments passes — remains a key driver of market instability, with prolonged tensions likely to sustain high energy costs worldwide.
The war has already resulted in thousands of casualties and widespread displacement, according to international estimates, further complicating diplomatic efforts to contain the crisis.
As the conflict continues, the widening gap between US expectations and European caution highlights growing strain within the NATO alliance over strategy, risk-sharing and long-term geopolitical consequences.
