‘Cowards’: Trump slams NATO over lack of support in US–Israel war on Iran
![A navy vessel is seen sailing in the Strait of Hormuz, a vital waterway through which much of the world's oil and gas passes on March 1, 2026 [File: Sahar al-Attar/AFP]](https://i0.wp.com/www.aljazeera.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/AFP__20260301__99GA2WE__v1__HighRes__OmanIranUsIsraelConflict-1773376045.jpg?fit=770%2C513&ssl=1)
A navy vessel is seen sailing in the Strait of Hormuz, a vital waterway through which much of the world's oil and gas passes on March 1, 2026 [File: Sahar al-Attar/AFP]
President Donald Trump criticized NATO allies for what he described as a lack of support for the US–Israel war against Iran, as the Strait of Hormuz remains effectively closed and the conflict continues with no clear end in sight.
Posting on his Truth Social platform Friday, President Trump accused NATO countries of failing to assist the United States while still complaining about rising energy costs.
“NATO countries are COWARDS, and we will REMEMBER!” he wrote. The president said NATO members have refused to join the military effort against Iran but are now objecting to the surge in oil prices.
Trump argued that the military phase of the conflict has largely been won and that NATO allies could help reopen the Strait of Hormuz with minimal risk.
“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, a simple military maneuver that is the single reason for the high oil prices. So easy for them to do, with so little risk,” he wrote.
The president has been urging major US allies and other countries to assist in securing shipping through the Iran-controlled Strait of Hormuz. The conflict has disrupted global markets, killed thousands, and displaced millions since US–Israeli strikes began on February 28.
Trump’s criticism of European allies came as NATO announced Friday that it was “adjusting” its mission in Iraq. Officials said the alliance’s non-combat force had been temporarily withdrawn because of the war with Iran.
“We can confirm that we are adjusting our posture in the context of NATO Mission Iraq,” NATO spokesperson Allison Hart said in a statement to AFP.
US Air Force General Alexus Grynkewich, NATO’s Supreme Allied Commander Europe, confirmed that all NATO mission personnel in Iraq had been relocated to Europe.
“I would like to thank the Republic of Iraq and all the Allies who assisted in the safe relocation of NATO personnel from Iraq,” Grynkewich said in a statement.
French President Emmanuel Macron said after a two-day European Union summit in Brussels that European leaders believe promoting international law and pushing for de-escalation remains the best course of action.
“I have not heard anyone here express a willingness to enter this conflict – quite the opposite,” Macron said.
The war’s impact on global energy markets dominated discussions during the European Union meeting in Brussels.
Reporting from the summit, Al Jazeera correspondent Step Vaessen said EU leaders failed to reach a unified position on how to address rising energy prices.
The European Central Bank has already lowered its economic growth forecast while increasing inflation projections for the coming months. As a result, European officials expect energy costs to remain high across the region.
Leaders discussed possible reforms to the EU’s energy trading system, but no agreement was reached.
“There is no consensus,” Vaessen said, noting that despite lengthy discussions, European governments remain divided on how to respond.
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![A navy vessel is seen sailing in the Strait of Hormuz, a vital waterway through which much of the world's oil and gas passes on March 1, 2026 [File: Sahar al-Attar/AFP]](https://i0.wp.com/www.aljazeera.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/AFP__20260301__99GA2WE__v1__HighRes__OmanIranUsIsraelConflict-1773376045.jpg?fit=300%2C200&ssl=1)
