Trump Warns NATO Faces Serious Consequences if Allies Fail to Reopen Strait of Hormuz

US Calls for Global Support to Restore Key Oil Route

ISTANBUL — US President Donald Trump warned that North Atlantic Treaty Organization could face a “very bad” future if its allies do not help reopen the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important oil shipping routes.

In an interview with the Financial Times published Sunday, Trump urged European countries and China to support efforts to restore shipping through the strategic waterway. He argued that nations benefiting from the route should help secure it.

“It is only appropriate that countries which rely on the strait should help ensure its safety,” Trump said, pointing out that Europe and China depend heavily on oil transported through the passage.

Possible Delay in Summit With China

Trump also indicated that he may delay an upcoming summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping, currently scheduled from March 31 to April 2, if Beijing does not support efforts to reopen the route.

The US president stressed that China receives nearly 90% of its imported oil through the Strait of Hormuz. Therefore, he said Washington expects Beijing to play a role in restoring safe passage.

“We would like to know their decision before the summit,” Trump stated.

Calls for Broader International Participation

Trump’s warning came a day after he appealed to several major economies — including China, France, Japan, South Korea, and the United Kingdom — to join what he described as a collective effort to secure the waterway.

Iran effectively closed the strait earlier this month following joint military strikes by the United States and Israel against Iranian targets.

Criticism of UK Response

In addition, Trump criticized the response from the United Kingdom, saying London offered limited assistance. According to Trump, Britain pledged only two ships after Iran’s military capabilities had already suffered significant damage.

Warning Over Iranian Oil Facilities

The US president also warned that Washington could launch further strikes on Iranian oil infrastructure, including the export hub located on Kharg Island.

Trump said US forces had already carried out a bombing raid on the site but avoided damaging pipelines during the attack.

“We could target those facilities within minutes if necessary,” he said, adding that Iran would struggle to respond effectively.
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PRESS UPDATE