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The President of the United States, Donald Trump, issued a stern warning to NATO countries, stating that the military alliance could face "a very bad future" if its members do not cooperate to ensure the passage of ships through the Strait of Hormuz, which has been closed by Iran following recent American attacks in the region.
In an interview with the Financial Times, the leader stated that countries relying on the oil that passes through this strategic passage should be involved in its security. “It is appropriate that those who benefit from the strait help ensure that nothing bad happens there,” he asserted.
Trump added that if the allies do not respond or their response is negative, “it will be very bad for the future of NATO,” according to the agency EFE.
On Saturday, the U.S. president openly called on several countries to send warships to keep the Strait of Hormuz "open and secure," following the announcement by Iran's new supreme leader, Mojatba Jamenei, of the closure of this strategic maritime corridor.
In a message posted on his social media platform Truth Social, Trump urged China, France, Japan, South Korea, the United Kingdom, and other countries affected by the disruption of maritime transit to send military vessels to the area to ensure free navigation.
The Strait of Hormuz is considered one of the most sensitive points in global energy trade: approximately 20% of the oil consumed on the planet passes through it, making any disruption a threat to global energy markets.
However, the initial reactions from the allies have been cautious. The High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs, Kaja Kallas, stated that the strait “is outside NATO's area of action” and that the European Union is exploring other alternatives alongside the United Nations to ensure navigation in the area, according to statements reported by EFE.
Kallas recalled that the EU maintains the naval operation EUNavfor Aspides in the region, established to protect commercial shipping in the Red Sea and the Gulf, although she acknowledged that European countries will need to discuss whether they are willing to expand its mandate or participate in an international coalition.
Meanwhile, some partners have already distanced themselves from the U.S. proposal. According to RTVE, governments such as Japan and Australia have ruled out sending warships to the Strait of Hormuz, and several European leaders have urged to avoid a military escalation in the Middle East.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer called for the reopening of the maritime route to stabilize energy prices, although he acknowledged that it is a complex task that will require international cooperation.
Trump also appealed directly to China, pointing out that the Asian giant obtains about 90% of its oil through that maritime route and that it should contribute to restoring security in the area. The president even hinted that his upcoming visit to Beijing could be postponed if the situation is not resolved beforehand.
The crisis surrounding the Strait of Hormuz occurs amidst a military escalation between the United States and Iran that threatens to impact not only global energy supply but also the geopolitical balance in the Middle East.
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