U.S. President Donald Trump said the United States no longer needs naval assistance from NATO allies, South Korea, Japan or Australia to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, citing 'military success' against Iran. He posted this on Truth Social and called NATO's refusal a 'foolish mistake' during a White House meeting with Irish Prime Minister Micheal Martin. The Strait carries one-fifth of the world's oil supply.
Amid the ongoing war between the U.S., Israel and Iran, the Strait of Hormuz has been effectively closed by Iranian drones, missiles and mines. The waterway carries about one-fifth of the world's oil supply. On Saturday, March 17 (local time), President Donald Trump called on NATO allies, South Korea and partners via social media to send ships to escort vessels through the strait. He renewed the appeal on Monday, then posted on Truth Social Tuesday that due to 'military success,' such help was no longer needed. Trump cited 'Operation Epic Fury,' launched in late February, claiming it had 'decimated' Iran's navy, air force, anti-aircraft systems, radars and leaders at nearly every level. > 'Their Navy is gone, their Air Force is gone, their Anti-Aircraft and Radar is gone and perhaps, most importantly, their Leaders, at virtually every level, are gone, never to threaten us, our Middle Eastern Allies, or the World, again!' During an Oval Office meeting with Irish Prime Minister Micheal Martin, Trump told reporters NATO was making a 'very foolish mistake' by refusing involvement, despite agreeing with the operation. He described NATO as a 'one way street,' noting U.S. spending of hundreds of billions protecting allies. Trump gave no indication of punishing them. He also criticized resigning counterterrorism official Joe Kent as 'very weak on security' for saying Iran posed no imminent threat. Seoul has vowed close consultations with Washington while taking a cautious stance.
