KABUL: Donald Trump has warned U.S. allies that the future of NATO could be “very bad” if they fail to help reopen the Strait of Hormuz amid the ongoing conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran.
In an interview with the Financial Times published Monday, the U.S. president urged NATO members to take whatever steps are necessary to secure the strategic waterway.
Trump said allies should deploy assets such as mine-clearing ships and other equipment, arguing that European countries possess certain capabilities that the United States lacks in greater numbers.
“It is completely appropriate for countries that benefit from the Strait of Hormuz to help ensure nothing bad happens there,” Trump said, warning that a refusal or lack of response from allies could have serious implications for NATO’s future.
Trump also said he may delay a planned meeting with Xi Jinping, the president of China, scheduled for later this month, as he expects Beijing to assist in reopening the strait.
Earlier, Trump called on countries including France, South Korea, the United Kingdom, and China to send warships to the waterway. France has already rejected the request, while Japan has not confirmed participation.
Trump warns NATO future ‘very bad’ if allies don’t help reopen Strait Hormuz
