NATO making 'very foolish mistake' by refusing to join Iran war: Trump

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Washington D.C.: US President Donald Trump on Tuesday criticised NATO allies for declining to take part in Washington’s military operation against Iran, calling their stance a “very foolish mistake”.

Speaking at the White House during a visit by Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin for St. Patrick's Day, Trump said most members of NATO had expressed support for the US-Israeli campaign but were unwilling to participate directly.

“I think NATO is making a very foolish mistake,” Trump said. “Everyone agrees with us, but they don’t want to help. And we as the United States have to remember that because we think it’s pretty shocking.”

Despite his criticism, Trump said he had no immediate plans to retaliate against allies for their position. “I have nothing currently in mind,” he said when asked about possible consequences.

The conflict, now in its third week, has seen escalating tensions in the Middle East, including Iranian retaliation targeting regional assets and shipping routes.

Trump also renewed calls for international support to secure the Strait of Hormuz, through which roughly 20 per cent of global oil supplies pass. Iran has disrupted traffic in the waterway using drones, missiles and naval mines following US-Israeli strikes.

However, several US allies said earlier this week they had no immediate plans to deploy naval forces to assist in reopening the route, effectively rejecting Washington’s request for military backing.

In a separate post on his Truth Social platform, Trump said that due to what he described as US military success, Washington no longer needed NATO’s assistance. He also singled out countries including Japan, Australia and South Korea in his remarks.

The comments reflect ongoing tensions between the United States and its allies over the scope and risks of involvement in the widening conflict.