U.S. President Donald Trump has warned NATO allies that the alliance’s future could be at risk if member nations fail to help reopen the blocked Strait of Hormuz, which has been disrupted amid conflict with Iran. In an interview with The Financial Times published on March 17, 2026, Trump said countries benefiting from the strait should take responsibility to ensure its safety. He urged China, France, and the United Kingdom to send warships to the area and hinted at possible U.S. military action to restore passage.

Trump emphasized that European and Chinese economies depend more heavily on oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz than the United States does, yet those nations have not taken sufficient steps to secure the route. He suggested that allies could assist by deploying minesweeper vessels to clear the waterway.

Referring to NATO’s past cooperation, Trump noted that the United States supported European allies during the war in Ukraine and now expects reciprocal assistance in maintaining freedom of navigation in the Gulf region.