United States President Donald Trump has intensified his push for European allies to contribute military support in the Strait of Hormuz, just days before scheduled talks with Iran on Friday.
According to a Reuters report citing two diplomats, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte has conveyed to European leaders that Washington expects firm commitments from them, including the deployment of naval forces or other military assets in the region in the coming days.
Trump reinforced this stance in a post on Truth Social, where he criticized NATO members for their lack of response, saying they only act when pressure is applied.
Debate over US troop deployment within NATO
At the same time, discussions are underway within the White House about withdrawing American troops from certain NATO countries that were seen as not supporting the United States during the Iran conflict. Reports suggest these forces could instead be repositioned in countries viewed as more cooperative, signaling a possible shift in Washington’s approach toward its allies.
This marks a softer stance compared to Trump’s earlier warnings about potentially pulling the United States out of NATO altogether. The revised plan has reportedly gained traction among senior officials in recent weeks.
Trump has repeatedly expressed dissatisfaction with NATO, accusing some member states of failing to back the US during the conflict and warning that their response would not be forgotten. He has also suggested that the United States may no longer need the alliance in its current form.
European Union rejects Hormuz toll proposal
Separately, the European Union has reiterated that navigation through the Strait of Hormuz must remain free and unrestricted. Speaking in Brussels, European Commission spokesperson Anouar El Anouni emphasized that international law guarantees freedom of navigation, meaning no tolls or charges should be imposed on vessels passing through the route. He described this principle as a global public good.
The statement comes amid reports that Iran has agreed to reopen the waterway during a temporary truce with the United States and Israel, while also floating the idea of introducing a toll system to support reconstruction efforts. Although Trump had earlier suggested a possible joint arrangement between the US and Iran to manage the strait, the White House has since maintained that it should be reopened without any such conditions.
