In a follow-up to his recent warnings, US President Donald Trump sharply criticized NATO allies at the White House for refusing to help secure the Strait of Hormuz amid the ongoing US-Iran conflict. He called their stance a 'very stupid mistake' and raised the possibility of US withdrawal from the alliance. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz rejected any German military involvement.
During a White House meeting with Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin on Monday, President Donald Trump voiced strong disappointment with NATO allies' refusal to assist in securing the Strait of Hormuz, which has been disrupted since the escalation of the US-Iran war—sparked by Iranian tanker attacks and US strikes on nuclear sites.
Trump described the allies' position as 'quite shocking' and a 'very stupid mistake,' framing it as a critical 'test' for the alliance. He hinted at reconsidering US membership, stating, 'This is definitely something we should think about. I don't need Congress for this decision.' Trump argued that Europe has a vested interest in US success against Iran, adding, 'If they say Iran is a threat but won't help, I think that's very foolish.' In a social media post, he labeled NATO a 'one-way street' and emphasized US military self-sufficiency.
Republican Senator Lindsey Graham echoed the frustration on X, writing he had 'never seen Trump so angry' and shared the sentiment given the stakes. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU) firmly opposed Bundeswehr deployment, saying, 'The United States and Israel did not consult us before this war. NATO is a defense alliance, not an intervention alliance, so NATO is not needed here.'
The Strait of Hormuz, through which 20% of global oil passes, remains closed due to Iranian actions, driving oil prices to multi-year highs and halting shipping. Ireland's Martin stressed the value of transatlantic ties and opportunities for dialogue. Trump's remarks build on his Sunday interview where he first warned that NATO's future could be at risk without allied support.
