A timeline of Trump’s criticisms of Nato over the Strait of Hormuzpublished at 16:21 GMT
28 February: The US and Israel launch widespread strikes on Iran. Iran responds with retaliatory strikes on sites in nearby Gulf states, many of which house US bases.
14 March: Trump urges the UK and other nations to send warships to the Strait of Hormuz, which has been effectively closed by Iranian threats on shipping, causing the price of oil to soar.
15 March: In an interview with the Financial Times, Trump says it would be “very bad for the future of Nato” if allies do not help secure the vital shipping lane.
16 March: Starmer says the UK is working on a “viable plan” to reopen the strait. Trump later says “some countries” have “greatly disappointed” him, and singles out the UK – once “the Rolls-Royce of allies”.
17 March: Trump accuses Nato members of making a “foolish mistake” over the strait. He insists “we don’t need any help” from Nato. He also says the reluctance to send mine-sweeping vessels to the Gulf was “not a big deal”, but was “unfair” to the US.
In a separate, lengthy post on Truth Social, Trump says “most” Nato allies “don’t want to get involved with our Military Operation” and says: “WE DO NOT NEED THE HELP OF ANYONE!”
“Because of the fact that we have had such Military Success, we no longer ‘need,’ or desire, the NATO Countries’ assistance — WE NEVER DID!” he says.
20 March: Trump calls Nato allies “COWARDS”, saying it would be “easy” for them to help open the strait, adding “we will REMEMBER!”
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