US President Donald Trump has sharply criticized NATO allies after most of them refused to take direct part in the military operation against Iran, calling it a “stupid mistake.”
Speaking at the White House with Irish Prime Minister Michael Martin, Trump said that while NATO countries support the joint US-Israeli war, they do not want to be directly involved.
“I think NATO is making a big mistake. Everyone agrees with us, but they are not going to help us, and that is a terrible thing,” Trump said.
The president noted that he is not currently planning any punitive measures against his allies, although he has previously expressed criticism of NATO’s role and the US’s commitment to the alliance.
Meanwhile, Trump called on countries around the world to help secure the strategic Strait of Hormuz, through which about 20% of the world’s oil passes. This comes after Iran took military action targeting ships using the strait.
However, many US allies have said they do not plan to send ships there, rejecting Trump’s request for increased military support. Trump has also previously said the US does not “need” NATO assistance, although he has now said his ally’s decision was a mistake.
