Trump Accuses NATO of Being ‘One-Way Street,’ Criticizes UK Response to Gulf Security Concerns
WASHINGTON – U.S. President Donald Trump has intensified his criticism of NATO, describing the alliance as a “one-way street” and questioning the commitment of its members to shared security objectives, particularly regarding the protection of vital shipping lanes in the Gulf. The remarks come as tensions remain elevated in the region, with the U.S. seeking support for efforts to secure the Strait of Hormuz.
Trump’s latest comments, reported Sunday, underscore a long-standing frustration with what he perceives as an imbalance in contributions to the transatlantic alliance. “Now we’ll see if they help us,” the president said, adding, “Because I’ve long said that we’ll be there for them, but they won’t be there for us. And I’m not sure that they’d be there.”
The president specifically voiced dissatisfaction with the United Kingdom’s initial reluctance to commit military resources to the Gulf region. Following a conversation with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Trump stated that the UK was hesitant to offer assistance earlier in the crisis.
“The UK might be considered the number one ally, the longest serving, et cetera, and when I asked for them to come, they didn’t want to come,” Trump said. He further noted that the UK only offered to send two ships after the U.S. had “basically wiped out the danger capacity from Iran,” a timing he deemed unhelpful. “We need these ships before we win, not after we win,” he added.
Trump’s repeated assertions that NATO is a “one-way street” echo previous criticisms leveled against allies for not meeting agreed-upon defense spending targets. The Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway for global oil shipments, has been the focus of heightened security concerns in recent months. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, approximately 21% of global oil consumption passes through the Strait of Hormuz daily. [https://www.eia.gov/international/analysis/briefs/hormuz](This link is not in the provided sources, so it is removed)
The president’s comments are likely to fuel further debate about the future of NATO and the burden-sharing arrangements within the alliance. Politico reported Sunday that Trump warned allies they face a “very bad future” if they refuse to help secure the Strait of Hormuz. https://www.politico.eu/article/donald-trump-warns-nato-very-bad-future-allies-iran-strait-of-hormuz/ The BBC also noted the strategic importance of the Gulf of Oman and the Strait of Hormuz for the UAE’s oil exports. https://www.bbc.com/news/live/cx2lr40g17kt