Daijiworld Media Network - Washington

Washington, Mar 20: US President Donald Trump on Friday launched a sharp attack on NATO allies, accusing them of failing to support the US during the ongoing conflict involving Iran and calling them “cowards.”

In a post on Truth Social, Trump said, “Without the US, NATO is a paper tiger!” He criticised member nations for not joining what he described as efforts to counter a “nuclear-powered Iran,” claiming the conflict had now been “militarily won” with minimal risk to them.

Trump has also been urging allies to assist in securing shipping routes through the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial global oil transit point. The conflict, which escalated following US-Israeli strikes on February 28, has disrupted markets, caused widespread casualties, and displaced millions.

The US president accused NATO countries of complaining about rising oil prices while refusing to take action. He described reopening the Strait of Hormuz as a “simple military manoeuvre” and blamed the situation for elevated oil costs.

“Now that the fight is militarily won, with very little danger for them, they complain about high oil prices… but don’t want to help open the Strait of Hormuz,” he wrote, adding, “Cowards, and we will remember.”

Meanwhile, countries including Germany, Britain, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Japan and Canada said in a joint statement they would support “appropriate efforts” to ensure safe passage through the strait.

However, Friedrich Merz indicated such involvement would depend on an end to active hostilities, while Emmanuel Macron stressed that France would not participate in military operations in the current situation.

Macron said after a European Union summit in Brussels that promoting de-escalation and upholding international law remained the priority, adding that France is not a party to the conflict.

The remarks highlight growing tensions between the US and its allies as the geopolitical crisis continues to impact global stability and energy markets.