U.S. President Donald Trump has warned that NATO’s future would be in serious jeopardy if American allies do not assist in reopening the Strait of Hormuz, which he said has been effectively closed by Iran amid the ongoing Middle East conflict. Speaking to the Financial Times on Sunday, Trump urged European nations to contribute to the effort as the United States did for Ukraine in its war with Russia. He noted that the closure has sharply increased global energy prices.

Trump reiterated his long-standing criticism that NATO members rely too heavily on U.S. support. He also said his planned summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing might be delayed due to pressure on China to help resolve the crisis. According to Trump, the United States is in talks with about seven countries to secure assistance, including minesweeper ships and personnel capable of countering hostile forces near Iran’s coast.

The uncertainty surrounding the Iran conflict has driven oil market volatility, with crude prices rising sharply over the past two weeks.