✨Following Iran's decision to close the Strait of Hormuz in response to US-Israeli operations, US President Donald Trump called on NATO allies and other countries to send warships to reopen and secure the strait. The strait is a critical route through which approximately 20% of the world's oil passes; its closure has rapidly increased oil prices and threatens the global economy.

✨On March 16, Trump appealed to allies, saying, "Send your ships to open the Strait of Hormuz." NATO, the EU, and European countries, particularly Germany, the UK, and France, clearly rejected this request. The spokesperson for German Chancellor Friedrich Merz stated, "This is not a NATO war, we did not start it," while British Prime Minister Keir Starmer declared, "Let me be clear, this war was not conceived as a NATO mission and will not be." EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs Kaja Kallas also definitively refused to send warships, saying, "This is not our war, they did not consult us."

✨On March 17, Trump, meeting with Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin at the White House, openly expressed his frustration with the allies. He stated, “We don’t need NATO’s help,” “They’re doing nothing for us, we’re spending trillions of dollars,” and reiterated his warning that “NATO has a very bleak future if they don’t help.” Trump also emphasized, “The US will handle this alone, we don’t need anyone’s help.”

✨Despite responses from Europe saying, “This isn’t our war,” Trump maintained that Iran would be forced to open the strait and that the US would act alone if necessary. On the 18th-19th day of the conflict, 16 ships were reportedly attacked in the strait, bringing oil exports to a standstill.

🧐In short: US President Donald Trump, after allies (especially NATO countries) rejected his request to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, explicitly stated that leaving NATO was “something to consider.” “I don’t need Congress for this decision,” he said, adding, “It’s not on my mind right now, but I’m not very happy about it.” Trump harshly criticized his allies, saying they “left us alone,” “NATO is making a stupid mistake,” “They rush to our aid but they don’t help us,” and “I will consider the US leaving NATO.” However, there is no concrete withdrawal decision yet; he only says “we will consider it.” Trump’s request was rejected, allies said “this is not NATO’s war,” and Trump announced that he would re-evaluate the NATO relationship and “might consider leaving.” Developments are progressing rapidly; opening the strait is critically important for the global oil market.

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