Washington: U.S. President Donald Trump announced Tuesday that the United States no longer requires naval assistance from North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) allies, South Korea, Japan, or Australia to secure the Strait of Hormuz. Trump attributed this independence to "military success" in ongoing operations against Iran.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Trump made these statements via social media following his appeal to allies and partners for support in reopening the strait, which has been effectively closed due to the ongoing conflict involving the U.S., Israel, and Iran. The Strait of Hormuz is a vital passage for about 20% of the world's oil supply.
In a subsequent press briefing, Trump criticized NATO, describing their reluctance to assist in maintaining the strait's openness as a "foolish mistake." He expressed dissatisfaction with NATO members' hesitance to dispatch naval ships to escort merchant vessels through the strategic waterway.
Trump declared on Truth Social, "Because of the fact that we have had such Military Success, we no longer 'need,' or desire, the NATO Countries' assistance -- WE NEVER DID! Likewise, Japan, Australia, or South Korea." He emphasized the U.S.'s self-sufficiency, stating, "WE DO NOT NEED THE HELP OF ANYONE!"
Detailing the "military success," Trump asserted that the U.S. had "decimated" Iran's military capabilities through "Operation Epic Fury," which commenced in late February. He claimed the dismantling of Iran's navy, air force, and other defense systems, asserting the removal of Iranian leadership from the equation.
Trump mentioned that despite most NATO allies agreeing with the U.S. actions, they refrained from participating in the military operation. He criticized NATO as a "one way street," where the U.S. provides protection without reciprocal support, especially in critical times.
During a White House meeting with Irish Prime Minister Micheal Martin, Trump voiced his disappointment with NATO's lack of military support in the Strait of Hormuz initiative. He remarked, "I've long said that I wonder whether or not NATO would ever be there for us."
Trump also addressed the resignation of Joe Kent, a key U.S. counterterrorism official, who resigned over ethical concerns regarding the war in Iran, stating that Kent's view on Iran as a non-threat was "very weak." Trump justified the U.S. military actions by referencing Iran's nuclear threats and oppressive measures against domestic protests.
The call for allied support had initially been made by Trump over social media on Saturday, posing a challenging diplomatic request to NATO allies and partners. On Monday, he reiterated the call, highlighting the U.S.'s role in providing security, including the deployment of troops in allied countries like South Korea.
In response, Seoul has committed to close consultations with Washington as it navigates this complex international issue.