Trump warns NATO of 'very bad' future over refusal to help on Iran
Photo: Donald Trump (flickr.com, photo: worldeconomicforum)
US President Donald Trump has stated that if allies do not assist in securing the Strait of Hormuz, the alliance will face a "very bad" future, according to the Financial Times.
Trump warns NATO of consequences of inaction
In an interview with the Financial Times, he emphasizes that Europe and China are heavily dependent on oil from the Persian Gulf, while the US is less vulnerable to this risk.
Trump points to the need for joint action to protect the key waterway through which one-fifth of the world’s oil passes.
Pressure on Allies and China
The President notes that without the participation of allies, the consequences for NATO would be extremely negative.
"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 emphasizes.
He also says he might postpone a summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping to put pressure on Beijing to unblock the strait.
According to him, China receives 90% of its oil through this waterway, so Beijing must participate in ensuring security.
Demands on Allies
Trump calls on allies to deploy minesweepers and military teams to eliminate bad actors along the Iranian coast who pose a threat using drones and sea mines.
He says they are dealing them a heavy blow. They have nothing left to do but create minor problems in the strait, but these people are beneficiaries, and they must help control the situation, he adds.
Iran's military infrastructure and new strikes threat
The President notes that the US and Israel have effectively destroyed Iran’s military capabilities over the past two weeks.
He says they have no navy, no air defense, no air force—it’s all gone. The only thing they can do is cause a little trouble with mines, he adds.
Trump also warns of the possibility of new strikes on the island of Kharg, a key hub for Iran’s oil exports, and on the country’s entire oil infrastructure.
Russia and Ukraine's role
When asked about Russia’s possible support in providing satellite data to Iran for targeting American and Israeli systems, Trump responded vaguely, adding that the US had also helped Ukraine by providing $350 billion in financial and material support.
He emphasizes it's hard to say, 'What are you doing?' when they're doing the same thing.
US Energy Secretary Chris Wright stated that the conflict with Iran could end within the next few weeks, and possibly even sooner.
US President Donald Trump stated that he is not currently ready to sign an agreement to end the conflict with Iran, noting that the proposed terms do not currently meet his requirements.
