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NATO allies are declining to join a potential effort to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, frustrating President Donald Trump and prompting questions among some U.S. officials about the alliance’s reliability in a major global crisis.
Trump has warned the Hormuz standoff with Iran could have serious consequences for NATO, arguing that allies benefit from global security without sharing the burden.
“The United States has been informed by most of our NATO ‘Allies’ that they don’t want to get involved with our Military Operation,” the president wrote on Truth Social Tuesday.
“We will protect them, but they will do nothing for us, in particular, in a time of need,” he said.
The Strait of Hormuz is a vital artery for the global economy, carrying about 20% of the world’s oil supply. Even limited disruption can send energy prices soaring and strain economies worldwide.
IRAN HOLDS WORLD ENERGY HOSTAGE WITH ‘NIGHTMARE’ STRAIT OF HORMUZ SEA MINES, FORMER CENTCOM OFFICIAL WARNS
Though NATO’s core mission is regional defense, allied involvement in securing the strait would demonstrate whether the alliance can project power beyond Europe — or whether it relies primarily on the U.S. to safeguard global commerce.
The frustration is spreading beyond the White House.
Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham said the lack of allied support “makes me second guess the value of these alliances,” warning the repercussions could be “wide and deep.”
Trump also has questioned the future of the alliance.
“If there’s no response or if it’s a negative response, I think it will be very bad for the future of NATO,” he told the Financial Times.
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France has declined to participate in combat operations, with President Emmanuel Macron saying any potential escort mission would only take place once the situation stabilizes. (Getty Images)
Allies hold back as U.S. moves to secure vital…
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