Trump warns NATO over Hormuz crisis amid rising Iran tensions

US President Donald Trump said the future of NATO could be at risk if allies do not support efforts to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, which has become a focal point of rising tensions following the US-Israel military campaign against Iran. The strategic waterway, through which a large portion of the world’s oil supply passes, has been severely disrupted, raising global energy and security concerns.

Trump pressures allies over Hormuz security

In an interview published by the Financial Times on Sunday, Trump argued that countries benefiting from oil shipments through the Persian Gulf should take part in protecting the Strait of Hormuz. He noted that European countries and major Asian economies rely heavily on energy supplies transported through the narrow maritime corridor connecting the Gulf to the Indian Ocean. “It is only fair that those who depend on the strait help ensure stability there,” Trump said.

The US president also warned that a lack of cooperation from allies could affect the future of NATO. According to Trump, failure by partners to support the effort to reopen the waterway would send a negative signal about alliance solidarity at a time of growing geopolitical tension.

China urged to act before Beijing summit

Trump specifically called on China to play a more active role in restoring maritime security in the region. Beijing imports a significant share of its oil through the Strait of Hormuz, making the route essential for China’s energy security. Trump said he would like clarity from Beijing before his planned visit to China between March 31 and April 2, when he is scheduled to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping.

The US leader suggested the summit could be postponed if China does not demonstrate willingness to contribute to securing the waterway. The warning highlights the growing link between the Iran crisis and broader US-China strategic competition.

Criticism of Europe and the UK

Trump also criticized what he described as a slow response from some Western partners. He singled out the United Kingdom, saying London had offered limited naval support despite the scale of the crisis in the Gulf. According to Trump, British authorities proposed sending only two ships after Iran’s military infrastructure had already been heavily targeted in recent strikes.

Threat of further strikes on Iranian oil infrastructure

At the same time, Trump signaled that the United States could expand military pressure on Iran if the situation around the Strait of Hormuz continues to escalate. He referred to a recent airstrike targeting Iran’s key oil export facilities on Kharg Island in the Persian Gulf.

“You saw we hit Kharg Island yesterday, everything except the pipelines,” Trump said, referring to the operation announced earlier. “We could disable that infrastructure in minutes, and they would not be able to stop it,” he added.

The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world’s most critical maritime chokepoints, carrying roughly one-fifth of global oil shipments. Any prolonged disruption is expected to have major implications for international energy markets and regional security, including for countries such as Türkiye that closely monitor stability in the Middle East.