TLDR

  • President Trump labeled NATO partners “cowards” over their reluctance to assist in reopening the Strait of Hormuz
  • Military operations involving the U.S. and Israel against Iran commenced February 28, continuing into the third week
  • The S&P 500 has fallen approximately 5% since hostilities began
  • Gasoline costs have climbed 31% to reach $3.91 per gallon amid supply chain disruptions
  • Multiple NATO members committed to assisting with safe maritime passage through the Strait once active combat ceases

President Trump launched a scathing public rebuke of NATO partners on Friday, branding them “cowards” over their unwillingness to assist in reopening the Strait of Hormuz amid the continuing U.S.-Israel military campaign against Iran.

“Without the U.S.A., NATO IS A PAPER TIGER!” Trump declared on Truth Social.

Military strikes against Iran by U.S. and Israeli forces commenced on February 28. The conflict has resulted in thousands of casualties and displaced millions of people in the region.

The President has made repeated appeals to major allied nations to participate in securing maritime commerce through the Strait of Hormuz, a vital shipping corridor under Iranian control. Vessel movement through this waterway has ground to nearly a complete halt.

Allied governments received no advance notification or consultation before military operations commenced.

Trump maintained that reopening the Strait would present minimal complexity and danger for NATO member nations.

“Now that fight is Militarily WON, with very little danger for them, they complain about the high oil prices they are forced to pay, but don’t want to help open the Strait of Hormuz,” he stated.

His message concluded with an explicit warning: “COWARDS, and we will REMEMBER!”

How the War Is Hitting Markets

The S&P 500 has dropped approximately 5% since military operations launched on February 28. Gasoline prices have surged 31% to $3.91 per gallon because of supply chain interruptions stemming from the cessation of Strait traffic.

Oil prices maintain their upward trajectory as the confrontation extends into week three with neither Washington nor Tehran showing indications of de-escalation.

Trump identified the Strait blockage as the sole driver of elevated oil prices, characterizing its reopening as “a simple military maneuver.”

How NATO Is Responding

Germany, Britain, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Japan, and Canada issued a collective statement Thursday committing to participate in “appropriate efforts to ensure safe passage through the Strait.”

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz clarified that any military participation would occur exclusively after active hostilities conclude.

French President Emmanuel Macron, addressing reporters following an EU summit in Brussels, stated that promoting de-escalation and upholding international law represented “the best we can do.”

He continued: “I have not heard anyone here express a willingness to enter this conflict — quite the opposite.”

The divide between Trump’s expectations and NATO’s stance continues to widen as the conflict enters week three without prospects for a ceasefire.

As of Friday, maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz remains virtually paralyzed, with both Washington and Tehran demonstrating limited willingness to retreat from their positions.