“Cowards, And We Will Remember!”: Trump Rips NATO Partners For Not Backing US Against Iran

US President Donald Trump launched a fierce attack on America's allies over the worsening Strait of Hormuz crisis, accusing them of failing to back Washington's push to secure the crucial shipping route as tensions with Iran continue to shake global energy markets.

In a sharp post on his Truth Social platform, Trump described allied nations as "COWARDS, and we will REMEMBER!" after they did not immediately respond to his demand for military assistance against Iran. The US President argued that America's partners were quick to complain about rising oil prices but unwilling to help protect the waterway that carries a large share of the world's oil exports.

Trump Blasts Allies Over Lack Of Military Support

Trump's remarks came as he expressed frustration that countries benefiting from secure global trade routes were not stepping forward to help the US keep the Strait of Hormuz open.

He wrote that allies "complain" about rising oil prices but are not prepared to assist in reopening the strategic corridor. Trump also pointed to America's long-standing role in supporting NATO, suggesting Washington has carried too much of the burden.

The Republican leader said the US was not receiving enough support "despite the fact that we helped" NATO "so much". He also stressed that it was in the interest of allied nations to stop Iran from gaining a nuclear weapon.

The comments have triggered fresh debate over the strength of NATO and the extent to which the alliance can act independently of Washington, especially during major global security crises.

Oil Prices Jump As Strait Of Hormuz Remains Disrupted

The standoff in the Gulf has already had a major impact on energy prices worldwide.

Brent crude oil, the global benchmark, has surged sharply during the conflict and was trading at around $108 per barrel on Friday, compared with roughly $70 per barrel before the war began.

The rise in oil prices is adding pressure to governments already struggling with inflation, especially as food and consumer goods remain expensive in many countries.

Asian economies are facing some of the biggest risks because much of the oil and gas passing through the Strait of Hormuz is shipped to the region. But the effects are not limited to Asia.

The disruption is also hitting global supply chains. Important raw materials such as helium, used in semiconductor production, and sulphur, a key ingredient in fertiliser, have been blocked or delayed. That could lead to shortages and higher prices for a wide range of goods in the coming weeks.

European Nations And Japan Back 'Appropriate Efforts'

Despite Trump's criticism, several major US allies have now signalled they are willing to support measures aimed at securing the strait.

In a joint statement, Britain, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands and Japan said they would join "appropriate efforts" to ensure safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz and would also work to stabilise global energy markets.

The countries strongly condemned Iran's actions and called for an immediate halt to attacks and threats affecting commercial shipping in the region.

"We call on Iran to cease immediately its threats, laying of mines, drone and missile attacks and other attempts to block the Strait to commercial shipping," the leaders said in a joint statement issued by UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer's office.

The statement suggests that while Trump publicly questioned allied resolve, several nations are now moving towards a coordinated response to the growing maritime threat.

Iran War Enters 21st Day As Commercial Vessels Face Attacks

As the Iran war entered its 21st day, the Strait of Hormuz remained effectively shut, deepening fears of a prolonged disruption to global trade and energy flows.

Tehran has expanded its retaliation across the Gulf region, and the risks to commercial shipping have increased significantly.

So far, 23 commercial vessels, including 10 tankers, have reported attacks or related incidents linked to the conflict. The continued instability has raised concerns that the region could see further escalation, with direct consequences for oil exports, freight movement and already fragile supply chains worldwide.

The latest developments underline why the Strait of Hormuz remains one of the most strategically sensitive waterways in the world, and why Trump's comments have put fresh focus on whether America's allies are prepared to act decisively without the US leading from the front.