By Amjad Qaimkhani
WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump has expressed frustration with allies over their lack of support in keeping the Strait of Hormuz open, issuing both veiled jabs and direct threats to nations he believes have not contributed enough to the maritime security effort. Speaking from the Oval Office, Trump criticized NATO allies for not reciprocating America’s decades of defense spending, while specifically expressing disappointment with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer for announcing deployment of warships only after the conflict was effectively won.
“I want to visit China but will have to remain in the United States,” Trump stated, revealing that Washington has formally requested Beijing to postpone a potential presidential visit for one month due to the ongoing situation. The president’s remarks come amid heightened tensions following what he described as the complete destruction of Iran’s naval and air defense capabilities, including the sinking of boats laying mines in the strategic waterway and the elimination of the Iranian regime.
During an earlier press conference, Trump complained that some nations whose oil passes through the Strait of Hormuz have shown insufficient enthusiasm for assisting in securing the critical shipping lane. He specifically named China, Japan, and South Korea while renewing his call for these countries to step forward and contribute to maritime security operations. “We have protected some of these nations for 40 years from terrifying external threats, and now they don’t want to join this fight,” he said, visibly frustrated.
The president also made the unverified claim that Iran’s new supreme leader may no longer be alive, adding that there is no leadership in Tehran capable of negotiating. When asked whether the war could end this week, Trump responded cautiously: “Can’t say anything yet, but the war will end soon.”
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