U.S. President Donald Trump has issued a stark warning to NATO member nations and other countries benefiting from the Strait of Hormuz, threatening “serious repercussions” and a “very bad future” for the alliance if they do not deploy warships to help secure the vital waterway. The demand comes amid escalating U.S.-Israel military operations against Iran, now in its second week, which have disrupted global energy supplies and driven oil prices sharply higher.
Trump stated that seven unnamed countries are being asked to contribute naval forces to police the strait, a critical chokepoint through which approximately 20.9 million barrels of oil pass daily—representing about 20% of global oil consumption and 25% of seaborne trade. He emphasized that the U.S. has historically protected the route but should not bear the burden alone, especially since nations like China and much of Europe rely far more heavily on Gulf oil imports than the United States does.
In a Financial Times interview, Trump highlighted NATO’s reluctance to assist in what he described as a “small endeavor” compared to U.S. support for allies in other conflicts, such as Ukraine. He suggested that failure to act could undermine the alliance’s future cohesion and credibility. Trump also pressed China to help reopen the strait, warning that he would delay a planned summit with President Xi Jinping unless Beijing commits in advance, given China’s dependence on the route and its purchases of Iranian oil.
The issue was raised during Trump’s recent discussion with U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who stressed the need to restore safe passage for global shipping. However, reports indicate the U.K. is not committing warships; Energy Secretary Ed Miliband said options are being examined but offered no firm pledge. France and Germany have similarly signaled reluctance to meet the demand.
A researcher from the London School of Economics noted that Iran anticipated potential blockades with pre-war drills and has already imposed a temporary closure. The expert warned that prolonged disruptions could push oil prices toward $200 per barrel, creating systemic risks for the global economy—particularly for Europe (10–15% of its oil from the Gulf), Japan, and South Korea—while potentially benefiting China if it continues importing or reselling Iranian crude in yuan.
Trump criticized past U.S. administrations for allowing security lapses in the strait and framed the current pressure as necessary to share the burden among beneficiaries. No commitments from allies have been announced, leaving the strait vulnerable and oil markets volatile amid fears of wider energy conflict.
The situation underscores deepening divisions within NATO over burden-sharing in non-traditional security challenges and highlights the broader economic stakes of the Iran war, with global daily oil demand at around 104 million barrels and roughly 80 million traded by sea.
