US President Donald Trump has lashed out at NATO allies, calling them cowards for refusing to join the United States in the ongoing conflict with Iran.
According to foreign media reports, Trump criticised allied nations for failing to send troops to help secure the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz.
The US president said NATO is just a paper lion without Washington, accusing member states of avoiding participation in efforts to prevent Iran from becoming a nuclear power.
Trump also pointed to rising global oil prices, claiming that NATO countries remained reluctant to cooperate despite the economic risks.
He argued that ensuring the reopening and security of the Strait of Hormuz would have been a simpler and less dangerous step that allies failed to take.
Warning of serious consequences, Trump said the alliance’s future would be bad if members continued to withhold support in such critical situations. He added that NATO’s “cowardly behaviour” would be remembered globally.
The remarks come days after Trump issued a similar warning, stating that allies could face a “very bad” future if they did not back US efforts in the region. Trump further claimed that the United States has significantly weakened Iran’s military capabilities and is now in a strong strategic position.
On the other hand, the United States has launched a phased military operation to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, deploying low-flying A-10 Warthogs and Apache helicopters.
US General Dan Keane said that American aircraft are targeting high-speed boats and drones near Iran’s southern coast. The operation aims to eliminate mines, armed boats, and cruise missiles that have blocked the Strait of Hormuz since early March.
Reports also claim that 16 US warplanes have been destroyed in the conflict with Iran so far, according to Bloomberg. US officials stated that if the operation is successful, US warships will be able to ensure safe passage for commercial vessels in the Gulf.
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