US President Donald Trump has cautioned that NATO could face a “very bad future” if member nations fail to back the United States in its efforts concerning Iran, as tensions in the Middle East continue to rise.
In remarks published Monday by the Financial Times, Trump called on NATO allies and other major global economies to assist in restoring access to the Strait of Hormuz, a vital maritime route that has been severely affected during the ongoing standoff with Iran.
This narrow passage is responsible for transporting around one-fifth of the world’s oil and gas, making it one of the most critical arteries for global energy distribution.
Trump stressed that countries which depend on energy shipments passing through the strait should play a role in protecting it. He suggested that allied nations could contribute military support, including minesweepers, air defence capabilities, and naval forces, to guarantee the safe movement of commercial vessels through the Persian Gulf.
The president voiced criticism toward NATO partners, claiming there has been insufficient backing for the US position. He warned that the alliance itself could be jeopardised if its members do not take more decisive action. Trump also expressed dissatisfaction with certain European allies, including the United Kingdom, describing their involvement as delayed or limited.
These statements come at a time of heightened conflict between the United States and Iran, which has already caused disruptions to shipping routes in the Gulf and sparked concerns about global energy stability. In response to the situation, oil prices have climbed past 100 dollars per barrel, reflecting growing fears that any prolonged closure of the Strait of Hormuz could have serious consequences for international markets.
The situation escalated after coordinated US and Israeli strikes targeted Iranian military infrastructure. In response, Iran took steps to obstruct or limit maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, a key channel located between Iran and Oman that serves as a primary route for oil tankers traveling from the Gulf to global destinations.
Trump also highlighted China’s heavy reliance on this passage for its energy imports, suggesting that Beijing should take part in efforts to resolve the crisis. He hinted that an upcoming meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping could be postponed if China does not clearly state its willingness to help reopen the route.
The issue has exposed divisions within NATO, as several European governments appear hesitant to deploy military forces without a clearly defined mission or legal framework for a broader operation. Some leaders have pointed out that NATO’s primary role is defensive, raising doubts about whether involvement in the Iran conflict aligns with the alliance’s mandate.
Meanwhile, the crisis has once again underscored the strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz, which handles a substantial share of global seaborne oil exports. Any extended disruption in this corridor could have widespread effects on supply chains and energy prices, making it a pressing concern for governments and markets around the world.
Trump concluded by warning that a lack of support from allied nations in reopening the waterway could place additional strain on NATO and potentially alter its long-term future. His remarks reflect growing disagreements among Western allies over how to address the escalating tensions with Iran and ensure stability in the Middle East.
