U.S. President Donald Trump has warned that a potential closure of the Strait of Hormuz could severely impact NATO and global energy security.
Speaking on Monday, he urged major nations including China, France, Japan, South Korea, and the UK to join efforts to reopen the vital oil transit route, which has faced threats amid escalating Middle East tensions.
In an interview with the Financial Times, Trump described it as “natural” for nations benefiting from the vital waterway to assist in reopening it, pointing to Europe and China’s heavy reliance on oil shipments from the Gulf.
“The Strait of Hormuz is critical,” Trump said. “If our partners do not respond, it could be very bad for NATO’s future. We have been very generous to our European allies.”
Trump criticized allies for what he suggested could be a lack of reciprocity, referencing U.S. support for Ukraine.
“We didn’t need to help Ukraine. Ukraine is thousands of miles away, but we helped them. Now we’ll see if they help us,” he said.
“I’ve long said that we are there for them, but if they do not support us, I am not sure they are really with us.”
The comments come after Trump called on China, France, Japan, South Korea, and the United Kingdom to join “joint efforts” to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a critical maritime corridor.
The strait is among the busiest oil shipping lanes in the world, with nearly 20% of global oil supplies passing through it.
Tensions in the Middle East have escalated following the outbreak of hostilities between the United States, Israel, and Iran.
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has repeatedly threatened to block oil tankers from transiting the strait and has targeted several vessels attempting to navigate the waterway.
The Strait of Hormuz, located between Oman and Iran, connects the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea, making it a strategic chokepoint for the transport of crude oil.
Any disruption in this region could significantly impact global oil markets and international security.
Trump’s warning reaffirms the U.S. view that allies and partners share responsibility for securing critical global infrastructure, especially in the face of escalating regional conflicts.
By framing the issue as both an energy security and alliance question, Trump stressed the interconnected stakes for NATO member states and other major powers dependent on Gulf oil.
Analysts say that Iran’s repeated threats to block the strait are part of a broader strategy to exert leverage over global oil prices and international diplomacy.
Any action to obstruct the strait could provoke severe economic consequences, as global markets rely heavily on uninterrupted flows from the Persian Gulf.
Trump also reiterated his criticism of U.S. partners’ perceived reluctance to support American initiatives, suggesting that prior U.S. assistance, such as military and financial support for Ukraine, has not been reciprocated. “We’ll see if they help us. I’ve long said we are there for them,” he said.
Global efforts to stabilize the Strait of Hormuz have included diplomatic talks, naval patrols, and contingency planning for potential disruptions.
However, escalating tensions in the Gulf, combined with the ongoing U.S.-Israel-Iran conflict, have heightened the risk of serious interference with the maritime route.
Energy experts warn that even a temporary closure of the strait could cause oil prices to spike, disrupt refining operations worldwide, and strain international relations.
The U.S., along with European and Asian allies, has emphasized the need for coordinated action to maintain open shipping lanes.
Trump’s remarks highlight the strategic importance of the strait not only as a commercial oil route but also as a key factor in alliance cohesion and global security.
By calling for joint efforts from major powers, he stressed the need for proactive measures to prevent escalation and safeguard critical energy infrastructure.
With the situation in the Gulf continuing to evolve, the world is watching closely. The coming days may determine whether international cooperation can secure one of the planet’s most crucial maritime arteries or whether the ongoing conflict will further destabilize global energy and geopolitical stability.