New York, March 20 (NationPress) The divide between US President Donald Trump and NATO has widened significantly as he labeled the alliance members as “cowards” and cautioned that he would “remember” their unwillingness to assist in opening the Strait of Hormuz.

“Without the USA, NATO IS A PAPER TIGER,” he expressed on Truth Social.

He pointed out that while NATO allies complain about soaring oil prices, they hesitate to contribute to opening the Strait of Hormuz, which he characterized as a straightforward military operation and the primary cause of elevated prices.

Trump’s remarks pose a risk to NATO’s cohesion, which has been a cornerstone of collective Western defense since World War II. He has wavered on ally roles while launching insults.

Earlier in the week, he stated, “We don’t need any help, actually,” but simultaneously sought support, at least in the form of minesweepers to ensure safe navigation through the strait.

As the conflict involving Iran escalated beyond expectations, Tehran imposed restrictions on the strait, approximately 40 kilometers wide, through which 20 percent of global energy transit, resulting in a worldwide oil and gas shortage. Energy prices have surged globally, impacting affordability in the US and complicating Trump’s economic agenda.

After entering the war, Trump called for NATO assistance to secure the strait while aligning with Israel and without prior consultations with allies, initially rejecting Britain’s proposal to deploy aircraft carriers. European allies have characterized the Iran conflict as a war of choice, rather than a defensive initiative.

France’s President Emmanuel Macron remarked, “We are not party to the conflict and therefore France will never take part in operations to open or liberate the Strait of Hormuz in the current context.”

On Tuesday, Trump remarked, “The United States has been informed by most of our NATO ‘Allies’ that they don’t want to get involved with our Military Operation against the Terrorist Regime of Iran.”

The US contributes a disproportionately larger share to NATO’s $3.3 billion budget, accounting for 16 percent.

Trump has consistently voiced concerns that NATO is not pulling its weight in joint defense, demanding that members increase defense spending to 5 percent of GDP. With the exception of Spain, NATO members have agreed to this target.

While diving into the Iran conflict without consulting allies, NATO members perceive the war as not involving them militarily, as their primary focus remains on Europe’s security, which is threatened by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Trump, however, prioritizes issues in the Middle East and Latin America, even threatening to invade NATO allies Canada and Denmark to seize Greenland.

He has criticized Europe’s stance regarding Ukraine, repeatedly accusing Kyiv of failing to negotiate a resolution with Russia to end the ongoing war, now in its fourth year.