President Donald Trump has warned that NATO could face a “very bad” future if U.S. allies fail to help secure and reopen the Strait of Hormuz, the strategic shipping route disrupted amid the ongoing conflict with Iran.
In comments reported by the Financial Times, Trump said countries that rely heavily on energy supplies from the Persian Gulf — particularly in Europe and China — should contribute to efforts to safeguard the waterway.
“It’s only appropriate that people who are the beneficiaries of the strait help ensure that nothing bad happens there,” Trump said, arguing that the United States is less dependent on Gulf oil than many of its allies.
He warned that failure to support the effort could have long-term implications for the Western alliance.
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“If there’s no response or if it’s a negative response, I think it will be very bad for the future of NATO,” Trump said.
The Strait of Hormuz, a narrow passage between Iran and Oman, connects the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea. Roughly one-fifth of the world’s oil supply normally passes through the route, making it the most important oil transit corridor in the global energy system.
Major Gulf exporters including Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Kuwait, United Arab Emirates and Qatar ship most of their crude oil and liquefied natural gas through the strait, while Asian economies such as China, Japan and South Korea are among the largest importers.
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Iran has repeatedly threatened to block or disrupt shipping in the strait during periods of confrontation with Western powers. Analysts say Tehran could attempt to impede traffic using naval mines, missile attacks, drones or harassment of oil tankers, though a complete blockade would likely trigger a strong international military response.
Iranian officials have argued that if the country’s own oil exports are restricted through sanctions or military action, other Gulf states should not be allowed to ship their oil freely through the same route. At the same time, analysts note that a prolonged closure could also harm Iran’s own economy, which relies on the waterway for trade.
Any disruption to shipping through the strait can have immediate global consequences. Energy analysts warn that removing even a portion of the oil passing through the route could push crude prices sharply higher and raise transportation and manufacturing costs worldwide.
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Trump said Iranian forces had already been heavily targeted in recent U.S. operations but warned that Tehran could still attempt to create disruption in the narrow shipping corridor.
“They’ve got nothing left but to make trouble in the strait,” he said, adding that countries benefiting from the route should help monitor and protect it alongside the United States.
Trump also urged China to assist in reopening the waterway, noting that Beijing imports a large share of its oil from the Gulf.
The president said he would like to see progress before traveling to Beijing later this month for a summit with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, his first visit to China since beginning his second term.
He suggested the trip could be postponed if there is no movement on the issue. “We may delay,” Trump said, without specifying a new timeline.
Trump also expressed frustration with the response of the United Kingdom. After speaking earlier Sunday with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Trump said he had expected a stronger and earlier response from one of Washington’s closest allies.
“I’ve long said that NATO is a one-way street,” he said, criticizing what he described as limited contributions from partners despite their reliance on the Gulf shipping route.
Ali Imran is a Washington-based journalist, who has worked for leading world news organizations as a correspondent, expert and in editorial positions. He is a published author and poet.
