President Donald Trump has criticised NATO allies for refusing to support US military operation in Iran, describing their stance as a “very foolish mistake.”
Speaking to reporters at the White House, Trump said most NATO countries had made it clear they were not willing to get directly involved in the conflict, now entering its third week.
“I think NATO is making a very foolish mistake,” he said, adding that while many allies agree with the U.S. position, they have chosen not to participate.
Despite the criticism, the president gave no indication that the United States would take action against countries that declined to join the operation.
Trump had earlier called on allied nations to help secure the Strait of Hormuz, a key global shipping lane through which a significant share of the world’s oil passes.
The route has been heavily disrupted following Iran’s response to U.S.-Israeli strikes, including the use of drones, missiles and naval mines.
However, several allies said they had no immediate plans to deploy forces to the region, effectively rejecting Washington’s request for military support.
In a separate message posted on social media, Trump suggested the United States could proceed without NATO’s involvement, insisting American forces had already achieved significant military success.
The development highlights growing divisions within the alliance, as some member states remain cautious about being drawn into a wider conflict in the Middle East.
The war has continued to escalate in recent weeks, raising concerns about its impact on global security and energy supplies, particularly with disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz.
