Trump Warns NATO Over Strait of Hormuz Crisis

WASHINGTON: (Web Desk) – Former US president Donald Trump warned that NATO could face serious consequences if allied nations fail to assist in reopening the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, which has effectively been shut by Iran during the ongoing Middle East conflict. In comments to the Financial Times, Trump argued that just as the United States has backed Ukraine against Russia, European partners should help secure the crucial oil shipping lane.

Trump stressed that many European nations, along with China, depend heavily on energy supplies passing through the Gulf route. He suggested NATO’s future unity could be at risk if allies refuse to assist in protecting or reopening the passage. The former president also hinted that a planned meeting in Beijing with Chinese leader Xi Jinping might be postponed if China does not support efforts to restore shipping in the strait.

Speaking aboard Air Force One, Trump said the United States is currently holding discussions with around seven countries regarding possible cooperation to reopen the waterway. He mentioned the need for minesweeping operations and forces capable of targeting hostile elements along Iran’s coastline that threaten maritime security.

Energy markets have reacted sharply to the escalating conflict and the uncertainty surrounding how long the confrontation with Iran may continue. Oil prices have surged over the past two weeks amid fears of disrupted supply. US benchmark crude opened higher at around $100 per barrel, while international benchmark Brent climbed above $106.

Meanwhile, flights at Dubai International Airport were temporarily halted after a drone-related incident caused a fire near a fuel tank facility. Authorities later confirmed the blaze had been extinguished and reported no injuries.

Iran’s foreign minister Abbas Araghchi condemned strikes on fuel depots in Tehran, calling them “ecocide” due to the potential long-term environmental and health damage to residents.

Trump also said Washington remains in communication with Iran regarding the conflict but claimed Tehran was not yet prepared to finalize a deal to end hostilities. Iranian officials, however, denied that any negotiations with the United States are currently taking place.

French President Emmanuel Macron said he warned Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian that attacks on French interests in the region were unacceptable, following a drone strike that killed a French soldier in Iraq’s Kurdistan region.

The conflict has continued to expand across the region. Israeli forces launched new strikes in Beirut’s southern suburbs targeting infrastructure linked to Hezbollah. Israel’s military said it still has thousands of potential targets inside Iran and continues to identify more.

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Elsewhere, rockets struck the complex around Baghdad International Airport, wounding five people, while a drone attack targeted the Ali Al Salem Air Base that hosts US and Italian forces. No Italian personnel were harmed.

Lebanon’s health ministry reported that Israeli strikes during two weeks of conflict with Hezbollah have killed around 850 people and injured more than 2,000. In southern Lebanon, an Israeli strike also killed Hamas official Wissam Taha near Sidon.

Amid rising global energy concerns, the International Energy Agency announced plans to release strategic oil reserves across Asia and Oceania immediately, with supplies in Europe and the Americas expected to follow later this month to stabilize markets.