President Donald Trump criticized NATO allies on Tuesday for declining to participate in the United States’ ongoing military operations in Iran, calling their stance a “very foolish mistake.”
Earlier on Tuesday, Trump posted on Truth Social that due to the U.S.’s “military success,” he no longer needed or desired assistance from NATO countries, singling out Japan, Australia, and South Korea for mention.
Speaking in the Oval Office during a visit from Irish Prime Minister Micheal Martin, Trump said most NATO countries had communicated that they did not wish to become involved in the U.S.-Israeli campaign, now in its third week. “Everyone agrees with us, but they don’t want to help,” Trump said. “And we, you know, we as the United States have to remember that because we think it’s pretty shocking.”
Despite his criticism, Trump gave no indication he plans to punish NATO members for their reluctance. “I have nothing currently in mind,” he said, avoiding threats of sanctions or withdrawal from the alliance.
Call to Protect the Strait of Hormuz
Trump also reiterated his call for nations to help police the Strait of Hormuz, a vital shipping lane through which 20% of the world’s oil passes. Iran has effectively closed the strait for tankers using drones, missiles, and naval mines in retaliation for U.S.-Israeli strikes.
However, several U.S. allies, including Germany, Spain, Italy, Japan, and Australia, said they had no immediate plans to send ships to reopen the channel, effectively rebuffing Trump’s appeal for support.
