'We don't need anybody': Trump criticises US allies for not joining Hormuz mission, pledges to go solo
PTC News Desk: US President Donald Trump criticised Washington's allies a day after being snubbed by them for a naval coalition to secure the Strait of Hormuz, asserting that Washington does not need any assistance to protect the key oil route blocked by Iran.
The strait has been under pressure from Iran since the start of the West Asia conflict, disrupting global oil supplies and pushing crude prices higher.
“We don’t need anybody. We’re the strongest nation in the world. We have the strongest military by far in the world," Trump said, repeating his criticism that North Atlantic Treaty Organisation members were not helping despite the idea of collective defence.
Just two days earlier, Trump had called on countries to send warships to the Strait of Hormuz. On Monday, he cautioned allies that refusing the request could result in a “very bad future” for NATO. However, several major partners — including Germany, Spain, and Italy — turned down the appeal, stating they had no immediate plans to deploy naval forces.
Trump also criticized the United Kingdom, alleging it had initially refused to send two aircraft carriers and only offered support after the conflict was “essentially over,” an offer the US ultimately rejected. Other nations such as France, Germany, Japan, and Australia also declined to deploy warships, citing concerns about escalation and a preference for diplomatic solutions.
France’s Defence Minister Catherine Vautrin said the country would not send warships amid the rising tensions. Germany pointed to constitutional limitations under its Basic Law, while Japan confirmed it had no plans for maritime security operations. Australia also ruled out naval deployment, noting that it had not received any formal request.
Meanwhile, several European countries — including Poland, Belgium, Spain, and Italy — chose not to participate, instead emphasizing the need for dialogue and stability.
- With inputs from agencies
