US President Donald Trump has warned that NATO faces a “very bad” future if alliance member states do not help open the critical Strait of Hormuz, an oil transport route that has effectively shut down Iran amid a war with the United States and Israel.
In an interview published by The Financial Times on 16 March, Trump said that just as the United States helped Ukraine in its war with Russia, he expected Europe’s help in the strait.
Shipping disruptions in the strait have driven up oil prices around the world, raising the cost of living for hundreds of millions of people.
“If there’s no answer or if there’s a negative answer, I think that would be very bad for the future of NATO,” Trump said in a brief interview.
Asked what kind of help he expected, Trump said minesweepers were needed, as well as “people to take out some of the intruders that are along the coast [of Iran].”
“I think China should also help because China gets 90 per cent of its oil from the strait,” Trump told the newspaper.
Trump said he has spoken to seven countries about the safety of shipping in the strait, without naming them.
The Wall Street Journal and Axios reported that the United States is close to announcing a coalition to escort ships through the Strait of Hormuz, although exactly when the escort will begin is not yet known.
The U.S. president has said Israel is working with Washington on means to protect shipping in the strait.