U.S. President Donald Trump labeled NATO members 'cowards' for refusing to support securing the Strait of Hormuz amid the U.S.-Israel war with Iran. He urged South Korea and others to get involved, highlighting U.S. aid to them.
On March 20, 2026 (local time), U.S. President Donald Trump criticized North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) members as 'cowards' in a Truth Social post for not helping secure the Strait of Hormuz. He wrote, 'Without the U.S.A., NATO IS A PAPER TIGER! They didn't want to join the fight to stop a Nuclear Powered Iran. Now that fight is Militarily WON, with very little danger for them, they complain about the high oil prices they are forced to pay, but don't want to help open the Strait of Hormuz, a simple military maneuver that is the single reason for the high oil prices. So easy for them to do, with so little risk.' The U.S. and Israel launched airstrikes against Iran in late February, prompting Iran to effectively close the strait, which carries about a fifth of the world's oil supply. Trump called on Saturday for South Korea, Japan, France, Britain and others to send ships but later stated the U.S. no longer needs their assistance due to reluctance. During a White House press availability, he said, 'I love South Korea. We have a great relationship with South Korea where we're helping South Korea a lot.' He added that the U.S. does not use the strait but 'Europe needs it. Korea, Japan, China, (and) a lot of other people,' so they must get involved. Trump also indicated his administration is considering 'winding down' military efforts against Iran, nearing objectives like destroying its missile capabilities, defense base, navy, air forces and nuclear potential.
