President Donald Trump has issued a stark warning to NATO allies, suggesting the alliance faces a “very bad” future if they do not contribute to securing the Strait of Hormuz amidst escalating tensions in the Middle East. The comments, made during an interview with the Financial Times, approach as oil prices surge following recent conflict in the region and raise questions about the future of transatlantic security commitments.
The President’s remarks center on the critical waterway – a chokepoint for roughly a fifth of the world’s oil supply – and the need for a collective effort to ensure its safe passage. Trump argued that nations benefiting from the Strait’s oil flow, particularly European countries and China, should participate in a US-led initiative to secure it. This demand for burden-sharing reflects a long-standing theme in Trump’s foreign policy approach, emphasizing the need for allies to contribute more to their own defense and global security.
Trump Calls for Allied Support in Securing Vital Oil Route
According to reports, Trump stated, “It’s only appropriate that people who are the beneficiaries of the Strait will help to build sure that nothing bad happens there.” He further emphasized that a lack of support or a negative response from allies would have severe consequences for NATO’s future. The President’s comments come after the US bombed military targets on Iran’s Kharg Island, a move that prompted Iran to state that all countries – except the US and Israel – may pass through the Strait of Hormuz.
The situation has already had a significant impact on global oil markets, with prices surging to approximately $106 a barrel on Sunday – a roughly 45% increase since the escalation of conflict in the Middle East. Reuters reported that the price increase underscores the vulnerability of global energy supplies and the potential for further disruption.
Potential Delay of Xi Jinping Summit Linked to Strait of Hormuz
Beyond NATO, Trump also indicated that his planned summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping later this month could be delayed. He is pressing Beijing to assist in unblocking the Strait of Hormuz, given China’s heavy reliance on oil transported through the waterway. “I consider China should help too because China gets 90 percent of its oil from the Straits [sic],” Trump told the Financial Times. He added that he would like to receive a response from China before the scheduled meeting, stating, “We may delay,” without specifying a timeframe.
The President’s comments signal a potential shift in US strategy, linking cooperation on the Strait of Hormuz to broader diplomatic engagements. The Financial Times noted that the interview took place on Sunday, adding context to the timing of these statements.
Getty Images captured tankers sailing near the Strait of Hormuz on March 11, 2026.
