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Trump slams NATO over Hormuz stance
U.S. President Donald Trump accused NATO members of a "foolish mistake" for declining to assist in securing the Strait of Hormuz amid the Iran conflict, asserting the U.S. does not require their support.
Allies remain reluctant
During a White House appearance with Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin, Trump stated most NATO allies informed him they would not intervene in the war, which many view as unlawful. While some nations expressed willingness to escort vessels, none have been publicly named.
In remarks from the Oval Office, Trump insisted, "We don't need any help," but added, "They should've been there." He dismissed the absence of mine-sweeping ships as "not a big deal" yet called it "unfair" to the U.S.
UK singled out
Trump reserved sharp criticism for the UK, citing its lack of involvement in U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran. He claimed the U.S.-UK relationship was "always the best" until Prime Minister Keir Starmer took office.
The president framed the conflict as a "great test" of NATO's ties with the U.S. but declined to specify retaliatory measures, stating he had "nothing currently in mind."
European leaders reject involvement
French President Emmanuel Macron declared France would not participate in operations to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, stating, "We are not a party to the conflict."
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas echoed this stance, telling the AP, "This is not Europe's war. We didn't start the war. We were not consulted." She added that member states "do not have the wish to be dragged into this."
U.S. intelligence dispute
Joe Kent, director of the National Counterterrorism Center, resigned Tuesday, urging Trump to "reverse course." In a letter, Kent argued Iran posed no imminent threat to the U.S., contradicting the administration's claims.
Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard defended Trump, asserting he had reviewed intelligence and concluded Tehran did pose an imminent threat.
Conflict escalates
Retaliatory strikes by Iran and allied militias continued. Israeli officials reported two deaths near Tel Aviv from an Iranian ballistic missile, while targets in the UAE, Iraq, Qatar, and Kuwait were also hit.
Iran's new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, ruled out a ceasefire during his first policy meeting. A senior Iranian official told Reuters Khamenei demanded the U.S. and Israel "accept defeat and pay compensation" before negotiations.
Khamenei's public appearance remains unconfirmed since his reported injury in airstrikes that killed his father, former Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. Iranian officials also confirmed the deaths of security chief Ali Larijani and Basij militia head Gholamreza Soleimani.
Strait of Hormuz remains volatile
Few Iranian oil tankers have traversed the strait since hostilities began on February 28. The waterway, which carries one-fifth of global oil supplies, has seen multiple commercial ships struck. U.S. officials have yet to identify allies willing to assist in escort operations.
