“Cowards, paper tiger”: Trump blasts NATO allies over Iran response

U.S. President Donald Trump has sharply criticized NATO allies for declining to provide military support in efforts tied to Iran and the strategic Strait of Hormuz, calling them “cowards” in a series of public remarks on Friday.

In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump accused alliance members of failing to act when asked to assist in securing the key maritime route, which is vital for global oil shipments. “Without the U.S.A., NATO is a paper tiger,” he wrote, arguing that allies had refused to participate in what he described as a necessary military effort to counter Iran.

Trump’s comments come amid shifting messages from Washington. While he has previously suggested the United States could manage the situation independently, he has also repeatedly criticized other countries for not contributing to efforts to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

He further claimed that the military phase of the conflict had been largely resolved, minimizing the risks for allied involvement. Despite this, he said countries were unwilling to take part in securing the waterway, even as they face rising oil prices linked to the disruption.

On Thursday, a group of six major powers—including the United Kingdom, France, Germany, and Japan—signaled a willingness to support “appropriate efforts” in the region. However, none has formally committed to a military mission in the Strait. Some countries, including Germany and Italy, have indicated they will not consider involvement until a ceasefire is reached in the broader Middle East conflict.

Notably, several of the allies now being urged to assist were not consulted before the United States and Israel launched their military campaign against Iran.

The Strait of Hormuz remains a critical chokepoint for global energy supplies, with roughly 20 percent of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas passing through it during normal conditions. Ongoing disruptions—linked to an Iranian blockade following the outbreak of hostilities on February 28—have significantly impacted commercial shipping and driven up global oil prices.

The conflict began when U.S. and Israeli forces carried out strikes on Iranian targets, prompting retaliatory attacks from Tehran across the Gulf region. The situation continues to strain international relations and raise concerns about energy security worldwide.