WASHINGTON, March 16 — President Donald Trump warned today that NATO could face a “very bad” future if US allies fail to assist in reopening the Strait of Hormuz, the vital oil shipping route effectively blocked by Iran amid the Mideast conflict.
WASHINGTON, March 16 — President Donald Trump warned today that NATO could face a “very bad” future if US allies fail to assist in reopening the Strait of Hormuz, the vital oil shipping route effectively blocked by Iran amid the Mideast conflict.
In a brief interview with The Financial Times, Trump said that just as the United States has supported Ukraine in its war with Russia, he expects European nations to step in on the Strait of Hormuz, whose closure has driven global energy prices higher.
“If there’s no response or if it’s a negative response, I think it will be very bad for the future of NATO,” Trump said, noting his long-standing criticism of the alliance for relying on US support.
He added that an upcoming summit in Beijing with Chinese President Xi Jinping could be delayed as he seeks China’s cooperation to help reopen the strait.
“We’d like to know before” the summit, Trump said, pointing out that China and many European countries rely even more than the US on oil shipments from the Gulf.
“It’s only appropriate that those who benefit from the Strait help ensure nothing bad happens there,” he added.
Trump also told reporters traveling with him on Air Force One that the United States is in discussions with “about seven” countries regarding assistance to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
When asked about the type of help he expects, Trump said he is seeking minesweepers and forces “to knock out some bad actors along the Iranian shore.”
The ongoing uncertainty over the Iran conflict has unsettled oil markets, with crude prices surging over the past two weeks due to supply risks.
Yesterday, US benchmark West Texas Intermediate rose 2.5 per cent to US$100.22 (RM395) per barrel, while Brent crude climbed 2.9 per cent to US$106.11 per barrel. — AFP
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