In the escalating U.S.-Iran conflict—sparked by Iranian tanker attacks, U.S. strikes on nuclear sites, and threats to close the Strait of Hormuz—President Donald Trump warned on Sunday that NATO's future could be endangered if allies refuse to assist in securing the vital waterway, through which 20% of global oil passes. Trump said he is reaching out to NATO members and other nations to help police the strait amid Iran's vows to keep it closed.
President Donald Trump issued the warning during an interview with the Financial Times on Sunday, stating, “It’s only appropriate that people who are the beneficiaries of the strait will help to make sure that nothing bad happens there.” He added, “If there’s no response or if it’s a negative response I think it will be very bad for the future of NATO.” Trump reiterated the message aboard Air Force One en route to Washington, D.C., that evening, telling reporters, “We are talking to other countries about working with us on the policing of the strait and I think we’re getting a good response. If we do, that’s great. And if we don’t, that’s great, too.”
Trump linked the request to U.S. support for NATO, noting, “We’re always there for NATO. We’re helping them win Ukraine.” He described securing the strait as a “very small endeavor” compared to that aid, claiming Iran “has very little firepower left” after recent U.S. strikes and demanding allies protect their energy interests: “Really I’m demanding that these countries come in and protect their own territory because it is their territory. It’s the place from which they get their energy and they should come and they should help us protect it.”
On Monday, European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said the bloc was “discussing” options to keep the strait open, in Europe's interest. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer expressed support for “a viable collective plan” to reopen it but stressed the UK would “not be drawn into the wider war.” Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei reaffirmed the closure: “The Strait of Hormuz will not be open to any country intending to harm Iran.” Trump also suggested involving China, which sources 90% of its oil via the strait; he is due to meet President Xi Jinping later this month.
The tensions have driven Brent crude above $100 per barrel, hitting $106.27 on Monday, with U.S. gas prices at $3.71 per gallon, up from $2.92 a month prior.
