Tensions in the Middle East continued to escalate as U.S. President Donald Trump warned that the future of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization could be at risk if member states fail to assist in securing the vital Strait of Hormuz, a key maritime corridor for global oil shipments. The warning comes amid an expanding conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran that has raised fears of wider regional instability.
In an interview with the Financial Times, Trump cautioned that the alliance could face severe consequences if allies decline to support efforts to protect the strategic waterway. "If there's no response or if it's a negative response, I think it will be 'very Bad for the future of NATO", he said, urging partner nations that depend heavily on Gulf oil shipments to contribute to safeguarding the route.
The Strait of Hormuz, located between Iran and the Arabian Peninsula, is one of the world’s most important energy chokepoints. Roughly a fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas supplies pass through the narrow shipping lane, making any disruption there a major concern for international markets and energy security.
Trump also signaled that global powers outside NATO should help secure the waterway. He specifically pointed to China, the world’s largest importer of crude oil, saying Beijing should take part in the effort. The U.S. president added that he could delay a planned summit with Chinese leader Xi Jinping if China declines to assist in protecting the shipping route.
Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, Trump said Washington was in discussions with several governments about forming a coalition to “police” the strait. He noted that the United States had approached “about seven” countries regarding potential military contributions, including naval capabilities such as minesweepers and other security assets designed to counter threats in the waterway.
At the same time, diplomatic prospects for de-escalation appear limited. Abbas Araghchi, Iran’s foreign minister, said Tehran had not requested a ceasefire and questioned the possibility of negotiations with Washington. He said Iran does not “see any reason why we should talk with [the] Americans, because we were talking with them when they decided to attack us.”
The conflict has also begun to affect civilian infrastructure across the region. Authorities at Dubai International Airport temporarily suspended flights following what officials described as a “drone incident,” underscoring the growing security risks for commercial aviation in the Gulf.
Meanwhile, Israeli officials indicated that their military campaign against Iran is far from over. The Israeli government said its forces still have “thousands” of potential targets inside Iran, hours after announcing plans to expand strikes across the country’s western and central regions.
The intensifying hostilities have unsettled global financial markets and pushed oil prices higher as traders weigh the risk of prolonged disruption to energy supplies moving through the Gulf. Analysts warn that any sustained closure or militarization of the Strait of Hormuz could trigger severe volatility in global energy markets.
As the war enters a new phase, diplomatic pressure is mounting on both sides while major powers weigh whether to join efforts to secure the Gulf’s most strategic waterway. For now, the United States continues to push for a multinational security coalition, even as the prospect of negotiations with Iran appears increasingly remote.
