US may withdraw NATO support as Hormuz tensions paralyze energy markets
President Donald Trump warned on Friday that the United States might not provide military assistance to NATO allies, intensifying his criticism of the alliance during a business forum in Miami.
Speaking at the "FII Priority" summit, Trump expressed frustration over what he described as a lack of support for US efforts to secure the Strait of Hormuz. "They just weren't there," he told the audience of investors, referring to Washington’s unheeded requests for naval cooperation.
The President questioned the continued US financial commitment to European security. He stated that while the US spends hundreds of billions of dollars on NATO, the current actions of allies might justify a withdrawal of protection.
The remarks follow a series of escalations on his Truth Social platform, where he recently labelled the alliance a "paper tiger" and described certain allies as "cowards". On Thursday, he warned during a cabinet meeting that the United States "will remember" the lack of support.
On 19 March, major economies including the UK, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, and Japan issued a joint statement pledging to ensure safe passage through the Strait. However, these nations explicitly ruled out direct military participation.
The geopolitical standoff has left shipping through the Strait practically paralysed. This disruption in a corridor that handles one-fifth of global oil production has triggered a sharp rise in international energy prices.
Addressing the ongoing conflict, Trump claimed the military operation against Iran, now entering its fifth week, is "proceeding well".
Translation by Iurie Tataru
