NATO allies refuse to back US coalition in Hormuz crisis
Donald Trump has issued a sharp warning to NATO allies after several key members refused to join a U.S.-led military coalition aimed at securing the strategic Strait of Hormuz amid the ongoing Iran war.
Speaking at an event in Miami on Friday, Trump criticised members of North Atlantic Treaty Organization for declining to send military support to protect the critical shipping route and suggested the United States may reconsider its future defence commitments.
“They just weren’t there. We spend hundreds of billions of dollars a year on NATO, hundreds, protecting them, and we would have always been there for them, but now, based on their actions, I guess we don’t have to be, do we?” Trump said.
NATO allies decline to join US-led coalition
The remarks come amid rising tensions after several NATO members reportedly declined to participate in the U.S.-led coalition meant to reopen the Strait of Hormuz after Iran shut the vital passageway at the onset of the war.
Countries including the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Italy and Spain have so far declined to join the coalition, a move widely described by analysts as a diplomatic setback for Washington.
The United States has been pushing for allied participation in operations to keep the shipping corridor open after Tehran blocked the route, a move that has disrupted global energy supply chains.
India has also chosen not to participate in the coalition so far, stating that it is closely monitoring developments and continues to advocate dialogue and diplomatic efforts.
Trump delays decision on Iranian energy strikes
Amid the escalating tensions, Trump has extended a pause on potential U.S. strikes against Iranian energy infrastructure.
The new deadline for a decision has been set for April 6, giving Washington additional time to assess military and diplomatic options.
There are also reports that Vice President JD Vance could visit Pakistan for possible backchannel discussions with Iranian officials.
War enters fifth week as energy crisis deepens
The conflict in West Asia, which began on February 28, has now entered its fifth week with no signs of de-escalation.
What started as a confrontation involving the United States, Israel and Iran is increasingly triggering concerns of a wider global energy crisis.
Iran’s closure of the Strait of Hormuz — through which nearly 20 percent of the world’s oil supply moves — has already begun to strain international supply chains and energy markets.
Iran mobilises volunteers as US troops deploy
On the ground, Iran is reportedly witnessing a surge in volunteers signing up to join paramilitary forces.
More than one million people have reportedly registered to fight, many joining groups such as the Basij and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.
The United States has deployed 1,500 troops from the 82nd Airborne Division to the region, while the Pentagon is reportedly considering sending up to 10,000 additional troops for possible ground operations.
Houthis threaten intervention
Meanwhile, Yemen’s Houthi movement issued a direct warning on Friday, saying it may enter the conflict if U.S. and Israeli strikes against Iran continue or if more countries join the war.
The Houthis have previously targeted ships in the Red Sea during regional tensions but have not yet directly intervened in the current conflict.
In a statement, the group said, “We affirm that our fingers are on the trigger for direct military intervention,” adding that it would act if another nation joined the US-Israeli side or if the Red Sea was used for “hostile operations.”
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