Trump says Nato making 'foolish mistake' over Iran

March 18, 2026

President Trump has criticized NATO allies for refusing to assist the US in securing the Strait of Hormuz during an ongoing conflict with Iran, calling their refusal a "foolish mistake" despite claiming America doesn't need their help. The critical waterway, through which approximately 20% of global oil passes, has experienced severe disruptions with only a few vessels managing safe passage since hostilities began in late February. European leaders, including those from France, the UK, and Germany, have stated they will not participate in what many view as an illegal conflict they were not consulted about.

Who is affected

President Donald Trump and the US government
NATO member countries (specifically the UK, France, and Germany mentioned)
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin
Commercial shipping vessels and their operators
Countries dependent on oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz (India and China specifically mentioned)
Joe Kent (resigned director of the US National Counterterrorism Center)
Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard
Iranian officials including new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei, Ali Larijani, and Gholamreza Soleimani
Israeli civilians (two killed near Tel Aviv)
Residents of the UAE, Iraq, Qatar, and Kuwait

What action is being taken

The US is attempting to secure the Strait of Hormuz during the war with Iran
A handful of vessels carrying Iranian oil are passing through the Strait of Hormuz
Iran and its allied militias are launching retaliatory strikes
Iranian forces are targeting sites in Israel, the UAE, Iraq, Qatar, and Kuwait
Mojtaba Khamenei is holding policy meetings as Iran's new supreme leader
Tulsi Gabbard is defending President Trump's decision on social media

Why it matters

This situation represents a significant fracture in the traditional NATO alliance, particularly affecting the US-UK "special relationship" that Trump says has deteriorated under Prime Minister Starmer. The Strait of Hormuz is a critical chokepoint for global oil supplies, with one-fifth of the world's oil passing through it, meaning disruptions directly impact worldwide energy markets and prices. The refusal of European allies to participate reflects deeper concerns about the legality of the conflict and highlights a growing transatlantic divide on foreign policy decision-making. The escalating conflict, combined with Iran's new leadership rejecting ceasefire negotiations, suggests the potential for prolonged regional instability with global economic consequences.

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: BBC