Donald Trump has reportedly set his “very disappointing” NATO allies a deadline to send warships to the Strait of Hormuz. The US President is expecting firm commitments to provide military support in the Gulf within the next few days, according to reports in Germany.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte is understood to have informed European allies of the White House’s requests following a meeting with Mr Trump. It comes as the fragile ceasefire in the Middle East continues to hold despite major Israeli strikes on Lebanon which killed hundreds of people. Iran’s deputy foreign minister has insisted the Strait of Hormuz is “open”, however, traffic through the waterway remains at a near standstill since the temporary ceasefire was agreed.
Mr Trump wants NATO allies to help reopen the vital trade route after Iran’s de facto closure of the narrow waterway sent global oil and gas prices skyrocketing.
The US President’s demand for concrete military commitments to the region in the coming days was described as an “ultimatum” by European diplomats, according to German outlet Der Spiegel.
It is understood the President is expecting to see a thorough list from each NATO member, detailing what military support they are willing to offer, in the coming days, The Telegraph reports.
This could reportedly include warships, troops or minesweeper vessels.
Mr Trump welcomed the NATO Secretary General to the White House for talks on Wednesday.
In a post on Truth Social on Thursday, Mr Trump said NATO had been “very disappointing” and only acted when pressure was applied.
“If NATO can help, obviously then there is no reason not to be helpful,” Mr Rutte said at an event in Washington the same day.
It is believed the UK would be prepared to deploy military assets to the Strait of Hormuz if a permanent ceasefire was agreed.
The UK is leading a 40-strong group of nations drawing up plans for the narrow waterway to be reopened.
Downing Street said Sir Keir Starmer spoke to Mr Trump on Thursday about the need for a “practical plan” to get shipping going through the Strait of Hormuz following the pause in fighting.
A NATO spokesman said the US expected “concrete commitments and action to ensure freedom of navigation in the strait”.
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