By Amjad Qaimkhani
WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump has launched a blistering attack on NATO, declaring that the alliance is nothing more than a paper tiger without American leadership. In a statement, Trump asserted that NATO member states do not want to join the war to prevent Iran from becoming a nuclear power, warning that Washington will remember their reluctance.
The US president accused NATO allies of now complaining about high oil prices after the threat to their own security has diminished, claiming the war has already been won. Trump further criticized alliance members for refusing to assist in reopening the Strait of Hormuz, which he described as the sole cause of rising oil prices. He insisted the task would be extremely easy for NATO and carried virtually no risk, while branding the alliance as timid.
“We will remember their attitude,” Trump said, underscoring growing transatlantic tensions as the Middle East conflict continues to roil global energy markets. His remarks followed a joint statement earlier this week from seven US allies including Britain, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Japan and Canada expressing readiness to contribute to efforts ensuring safe navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, though the White House has characterized their commitment as insufficient.
