US President Donald Trump has launched a fresh attack on NATO allies, calling them “cowards” amid escalating tensions over the Strait of Hormuz crisis.
Trump’s remarks come as Iran continues to disrupt shipping through the vital Strait of Hormuz corridor, which carries roughly 20% of the world’s oil supply. The former US president criticised allied nations for failing to support efforts to secure the route, despite complaining about rising global oil prices.
He argued that reopening the strait would be a relatively simple military operation and accused NATO partners of relying too heavily on US intervention without contributing meaningfully.
At the same time, Iran’s leadership has issued defiant rhetoric. Mojtaba Khamenei, son of the late Supreme Leader, reportedly released a statement urging Iran to disregard the “security” of its enemies as the conflict intensifies.
The situation has worsened following continued military exchanges between Iran, the United States, and Israel, with attacks targeting energy infrastructure such as the South Pars gas field. These developments have further driven up global energy prices and heightened fears of a prolonged regional conflict.
While the UK and European nations including France and Germany have signalled willingness to support efforts to secure maritime routes, there are currently no confirmed plans to deploy naval escorts to the region.
Meanwhile, reports suggest the US is considering more aggressive options, including potential action targeting Iran’s key oil infrastructure, such as Kharg Island, a move analysts warn could significantly escalate the conflict.
Despite the rising tensions, the UK government has indicated it does not intend to be drawn into a wider war, even as it continues to coordinate with allies on security planning. The ongoing crisis underscores the strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz and the broader risks to global energy markets as geopolitical tensions in the Middle East continue to escalate.
