U.S. President Donald Trump called NATO allies “cowards” over their stance in the war with Iran. Trump wrote on the social network Truth Social that partners complain about high oil prices caused by the war with Iran, but at the same time do not want to help reopen the Strait of Hormuz, although, according to him, this is a “simple military step” with “minimal risk.”
“Cowards,” he added in capital letters. The United States will remember such behavior by partners in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, Trump promised. NATO without the United States is merely a “paper tiger,” he wrote.
Donald Trump demanded military assistance from allies to ensure navigation through the strait between the Arabian Peninsula and Iran. After Germany and many other countries refused, the U.S. president accused NATO of a “very stupid mistake” and called the position of Germany and other countries “very shocking.” At the same time, he stated that the United States does not need allied support at all.
Since the beginning of the war between the United States and Israel against Iran on February 28, the Strait of Hormuz—through which about one-fifth of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas shipments pass—has effectively been blocked by Iranian forces. Iran has also been striking oil facilities in several countries of the Persian Gulf region and oil tankers, which has led to a sharp rise in global oil and gas prices.