Former President Donald Trump on Saturday criticized NATO for its refusal to participate in the ongoing U.S. war on Iran and assist with controlling the Strait of Hormuz. Trump, speaking at the Deerfield Residence in Dublin, Ireland, voiced general dissatisfaction with Europe's direction on trade, energy, and immigration.
"I hate to see what’s happening with Europe," Trump stated. "I hate to see what’s happening on trade, I hate to see what’s happening on energy, and I hate to see what’s happening on immigration."
Regarding the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for global oil transport, Trump said, "Very disappointing in many ways, that NATO didn’t want to help us with the strait, even though we don’t get any oil from the strait. We don’t need it. We have a lot of oil. We have more oil than anybody, as you know, but we thought it was important."
The Strait of Hormuz sees about a fifth of the world’s oil pass through it. Iran has increased its influence in the waterway since the conflict began, contributing to a rise in oil prices, which have surpassed $100 per barrel for the first time in months.
Trump recounted a conversation where he asked NATO leaders about assisting with the strait, noting their refusal. He then appeared to question the U.S. commitment to assisting European allies in other contexts, stating, "But I put it down because, why the hell are we helping them? So, you’ll be hearing that later."
The former president has previously expressed frustration with NATO allies and has been criticized for not consulting them before initiating military actions that have impacted the global economy and raised concerns about an energy crisis. Trump also suggested that NATO's decision to not participate in the conflict was saving the U.S. money.