Former U.S. President Donald Trump has sharply criticized the lack of support from NATO allies in the conflict involving the United States and Iran, particularly regarding securing the Strait of Hormuz. Trump labeled his NATO allies as “cowards.”
“Without the US, NATO is just a paper tiger,” Trump wrote in a post on Truth Social, according to Channel News Asia (CNA) on Friday, March 20, 2026.
The Strait of Hormuz has been blocked by Iran since the country was attacked by the U.S. And Israel on February 28th. The closure of this vital global oil trade route has led to shortages and rising oil prices, impacting economies worldwide.
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Trump has called on his NATO allies to intervene in securing the Strait of Hormuz from Iranian control, but his request has been met with limited response from NATO members.
“Now that the battle has been won militarily, with very little danger to them, they complain about the high price of oil that they are forced to pay, but don’t want to help open the Strait of Hormuz, a simple military maneuver that is the only reason for the high price of oil. It would be very easy for them to do, with very little risk,” Trump stated.
“The cowards, and we will remember it,” he added.
NATO Nations Hesitant to Directly Intervene in Strait of Hormuz
According to AFP on Friday, March 20, 2026, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, and the Netherlands stated on Thursday, March 19, that they were prepared “to contribute to appropriate efforts to ensure safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz.”
The group said they “welcome the commitment of states involved in preparatory planning,” and condemned “recent attacks by Iran against unarmed commercial vessels in the Gulf.”
However, Italy, Germany, and France later clarified on Thursday, March 19, that they were not discussing direct military assistance, but rather a potential multilateral initiative following a ceasefire. The development underscores the complex diplomatic landscape surrounding the conflict and the reluctance of some European nations to become directly involved in military operations.
Tonton juga video “Trump Sebut NATO Bodoh Karena Tak Membantunya di Iran”
(ygs/imk)
