U.S. President Donald Trump criticized NATO allies for not taking necessary measures regarding the Strait of Hormuz issue, calling them "cowards." In a post on his "Truth Social" social media platform dated March 20, Trump stated that NATO is a "paper tiger" without the U.S. and that it does not want to join efforts to stop nuclear-armed Iran. He claimed victory in the war, arguing that these countries refused to help when the Strait of Hormuz could be opened with a simple military maneuver.
The editorial reports that the U.S. president added that this step would have been very easy and risk-free for these countries. He used the phrase, "Cowards, we will NOT forget this!" At a press conference held at the White House, Trump stated that Iran's navy, air force, anti-aircraft systems, radars, and leaders have been "destroyed." He added, "Nobody wants to be a leader there anymore. We want to talk to them, but we have no one to talk to. We are fine with that too."
Shortly before these statements, on March 19, some European countries, Japan, and Canada declared their readiness to support ensuring safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz. In a joint statement by the leaders of the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Japan, and Canada, Iran's attacks against civilian and energy infrastructure in the Gulf countries and Iran's attempt to close the Strait of Hormuz were condemned.