President Donald Trump warned the North Atlantic Treaty Organization that it faces a 'very bad' future if member countries do not help the United States secure the Strait of Hormuz. In interviews and remarks over the weekend, Trump said nations that benefit from the vital shipping lane should share responsibility for keeping it open and safe.

Trump argued that the United States has consistently supported its allies, including through assistance related to the war in Ukraine, and questioned whether those allies would do the same in return. He emphasized that securing the strait would be a relatively small effort and said it would be reasonable for other countries to participate in joint patrols.

The administration has noted that the United States now exports more oil than it imports and relies less on Middle Eastern supplies than many allied nations. Trump said discussions with other countries were ongoing and expressed optimism that partners would ultimately agree to cooperate, while reiterating his longstanding concerns about defense spending commitments within the alliance.