Trump warns NATO over Hormuz crisis

US President Donald Trump has warned that NATO could face a “very bad” future if its allies fail to help reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial oil shipping route currently disrupted by the ongoing Middle East conflict.

In an interview with the Financial Times on Sunday, Trump said that as the United States has supported Ukraine in its war with Russia, European countries should now assist efforts to restore safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz. The strategic waterway has effectively been closed by Iran amid the conflict, pushing global energy prices higher.

“If there's no response or if it's a negative response I think it will be very bad for the future of NATO,” Trump said, repeating his long-standing criticism that some alliance members rely too heavily on US support.

Trump also indicated that a planned summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing could be delayed if China does not cooperate in efforts to reopen the strait. He noted that countries such as China and several European nations depend more heavily than the United States on oil shipments passing through the Gulf.

Speaking separately to reporters aboard Air Force One, Trump said Washington is in talks with about seven countries regarding possible support for securing the waterway.

He added that the United States is looking for assistance including minesweepers and forces capable of addressing threats along Iran’s coastline.

The uncertainty surrounding the duration of the conflict has unsettled global energy markets. Oil prices have surged over the past two weeks due to fears of supply disruptions linked to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.

On Sunday, US benchmark West Texas Intermediate crude rose 2.5 percent to $100.22 per barrel, while Brent crude, the global benchmark, increased 2.9 percent to $106.11 per barrel.