Trump decries Nato allies as ‘cowards’ as strait of Hormuz impasse goes on
Trump Accuses NATO Allies of Cowardice Amid Hormuz Strait Stalemate
Donald Trump has criticized NATO allies for their reluctance to ‘help open’ the Strait of Hormuz, as U.S. forces reportedly prepare to dispatch additional warships and deploy thousands of troops to the Middle East. The move follows concerns over the economic toll of the ongoing conflict with Iran.
The U.S. is reportedly evaluating options to either occupy or block access to Iran’s strategically vital Kharg Island. This location serves as a critical hub, handling approximately 90% of the country’s oil exports and connected to nearby offshore oil fields via pipelines.
“We are watching your cowardly officials and commanders, pilots and wicked soldiers,” said Abolfazl Shekarchi, an Iranian military spokesperson, via state television. “From now on, based on the information we have on you, the promenades, resorts and tourist and entertainment centres in the world will not be safe.”
Despite earlier statements by Trump downplaying the need for ground troops, reports indicate the U.S. is considering occupying Kharg Island to pressure Tehran into reopening the strait. Such an operation would pose significant risks, as American forces could face Iranian drone and rocket attacks in a confined coastal environment.
The Pentagon has already deployed the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, a rapid-response force of around 2,200 marines, to the Middle East. Military officials have not disclosed the specific missions assigned to the unit. The USS Boxer, carrying the marines, is also leaving the U.S. about three weeks ahead of schedule, though its purpose remains unclear.
As the conflict escalated, an Iranian drone attack targeted a Kuwait refinery, while the U.S. and Israel struck 16 Iranian cargo vessels in Gulf ports. In Dubai, heavy explosions occurred as air defenses intercepted incoming rockets, disrupting celebrations of Eid al-Fitr, the end of Ramadan.
Separately, Israel launched strikes against Syrian government positions, just days after U.S. officials had anonymously proposed using Syrian forces to disarm Hezbollah in eastern Lebanon. The war shows no signs of easing, with oil and gas prices climbing and warnings of a global economic crisis intensified by conflicting statements from Washington.
A White House official noted: “As President Trump said, he has no plans to send troops anywhere – but he wisely does not broadcast his military strategy to the media, and he retains all options as commander-in-chief. The U.S. military can take out Kharg Island at any time.”
With the fourth week of hostilities approaching, Kuwait confirmed two waves of Iranian drone strikes hit its Mina al-Ahmadi oil refinery, one of three refineries in the small, oil-rich nation. The attacks highlight the growing tensions and the potential for further disruption in the region’s energy infrastructure.
