U.S. President Donald Trump sharply criticized NATO allies on Friday, calling them “cowards” for refusing to support the U.S.-Israel war against Iran.

“Without the U.S.A., NATO IS A PAPER TIGER!” Trump wrote in a social media post, escalating tensions with longstanding allies over their reluctance to join the conflict.

Dispute Over Strait of Hormuz

Trump has repeatedly urged allied nations to help secure shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a key global energy route currently affected by the war. He argued that reopening the waterway would be a “simple military maneuver” and blamed allies for complaining about rising oil prices while avoiding involvement.

“Now that fight is militarily won… they complain about the high oil prices… but don’t want to help open the Strait of Hormuz,” he said, adding: “COWARDS, and we will REMEMBER!”

The conflict, which began on February 28, has disrupted global markets, driven up energy costs, and led to widespread casualties and displacement.

Allies Signal Limited Support

Despite Trump’s criticism, several countries—including Germany, Britain, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Japan, and Canada—said in a joint statement they would join “appropriate efforts” to ensure safe passage through the strait. However, they stopped short of committing to direct military involvement.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz indicated that any such efforts would depend on an end to active combat. Meanwhile, French President Emmanuel Macron emphasized de-escalation, saying no European leaders had expressed willingness to enter the conflict.