Trump Calls NATO’s Refusal to Help on Iran a “Very Foolish Mistake”

President Donald Trump said on Tuesday that most NATO allies informed the United States they did not want to participate in its military operations in Iran, a decision he described as a “very foolish mistake.”

Speaking at an Oval Office event, Trump noted that while NATO countries supported the joint U.S.-Israeli war, which has now entered its third week, they were unwilling to get directly involved. “I think NATO is making a very foolish mistake,” Trump said. “Everyone agrees with us, but they don’t want to help. And we, you know, we as the United States have to remember that because we think it’s pretty shocking,” he added.

Trump also called on nations to assist in policing the Strait of Hormuz after Iran responded to U.S.-Israeli attacks with drones, missiles, and mines, effectively blocking tanker traffic. However, several U.S. allies stated they had no immediate plans to deploy ships to help reopen the strait, rejecting Trump’s request for military support.

Earlier on Tuesday, Trump wrote on Truth Social that “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 specifically mentioned Japan, Australia, and South Korea.

The remarks highlight tensions between the United States and its allies over the ongoing military campaign in Iran and the broader Middle East conflict.