Trump warns NATO over strait of Hormuz security
U.S. President Donald Trump said that NATO could face a “very bad” future if its allies do not help keep the Strait of Hormuz open.
In an interview with the Financial Times, Trump discussed attacks on Iran, his upcoming visit to China, and tensions around the Strait of Hormuz, CE Report quotes Anadolu Agency.
Trump said that, unlike the U.S., Europe and China depend heavily on oil coming from the Gulf. “It is entirely appropriate for those who benefit from the strait to help ensure that nothing bad happens there,” he said.
“If there is no response or if the response is negative, I think that will be very bad for the future of NATO,” Trump added.
Trump also stated that the U.S. helps NATO on the issue of Ukraine even though it is not obligated to do so.
“We would be there for them, but they might not be there for us. I’m not sure they would,” he said.
When asked what kind of help he wanted, Trump replied, “Whatever is necessary.” He emphasized that Europe has far more minesweeper ships than the U.S. and said allies should send those vessels.
Trump also underlined that he was particularly dissatisfied with the position of the United Kingdom, saying: “The UK may be seen as the biggest ally, the oldest ally, etc. But when I asked them to come, they didn’t want to.”
He argued that Iran has “nothing left except causing a little trouble” in the strait and said that monitoring a few actors requires many personnel.
Trump also said the security of the Strait of Hormuz should be ensured by countries that receive oil from there.
China visit could be postponed
Trump said he also expects China to help keep the strait open before his summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping during his planned visit later this month.
“I think China should help too, because China gets 90% of its oil through this strait,” he said, adding that waiting until the summit could be too late and that he might postpone the visit.
Comment on Russia and satellite data
Trump said that the U.S. and Israel had destroyed Iran’s military capacity within two weeks, meaning the risk for allies sending military assets to the Gulf would be very low.
He also stated that the U.S. is ready to launch new strikes on Iran’s Khark Island and could target oil infrastructure.
When asked whether Russia had provided satellite data to Iran to target U.S. and Israeli missile defense systems, Trump said he did not know. However, he added that it would be difficult to accuse Russia since the U.S. had also helped Ukraine to some extent.
