By Ginika Igboke
President Donald Trump renewed his criticism of NATO late on April 12, warning that the alliance could face a “very serious examining” after failing to support the United States during its conflict with Iran.
“I’m very disappointed in NATO,” Trump told reporters upon arriving at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland. “They weren’t there for us. We pay trillions of dollars to NATO, and they weren’t there for us.”
Trump, who has frequently questioned the alliance’s role, added: “Remember what I said—NATO was not there. Now they want to come up, but there’s no real threat anymore. But NATO was not there for us.” He said the organization’s future role would be closely reviewed following the conflict.
Allies Decline to Join U.S. Blockade
Trump’s remarks came as the United Kingdom confirmed it would not participate in the U.S.-led naval blockade of Iranian ports, including those linked to the Strait of Hormuz, which took effect on April 13.
While Trump initially said the U.S. military would work with other nations to block maritime traffic through the vital waterway—through which about one-fifth of global oil supplies pass—U.S. officials later clarified that the blockade applies only to ships traveling to or from Iranian ports.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the UK would not be drawn into the conflict, emphasizing a diplomatic approach instead.
“We’re not supporting the blockade,” Starmer said in an interview with the BBC. “My decision has been very clearly that whatever the pressure—and there’s been some considerable pressure—we’re not getting dragged into the war.”
Europe Pushes Alternative Maritime Plan
French President Emmanuel Macron announced plans to convene a conference with the UK and other countries to establish a multinational mission focused on ensuring safe navigation in the strait.
“This strictly defensive mission, separate from the warring parties, is intended to be deployed as soon as circumstances permit,” Macron said.
The initiative aims to coordinate naval escorts and establish rules for secure passage once conditions allow.
Calls for Diplomacy Over Military Action
Turkey’s foreign minister, Hakan Fidan, also urged a diplomatic resolution, warning that creating an international force to oversee the strait would be complex. He called for NATO to reset its relationship with Trump at a planned summit in Ankara in July.
Macron and other NATO leaders have indicated support for restoring safe shipping routes in the Strait of Hormuz, particularly after the fighting subsides.
Ongoing Tensions and NATO Criticism
Trump announced a two-week ceasefire between the United States and Iran last week but moved forward with a naval blockade after negotiations failed over the weekend.
Since the conflict began on Feb. 28, Trump has repeatedly criticized NATO, arguing that member states—many of which rely on oil transported through the Strait of Hormuz—have not done enough to address the crisis.
In an earlier post on April 8, he reiterated his frustration, writing that NATO “wasn’t there when we needed them, and they won’t be there if we need them again,” while also reviving his suggestion that the United States should take control of Greenland, a territory of Denmark.
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