Washington Intensifies Pressure on European Allies for Military Deployment in the Strait of Hormuz

Washington is ramping up pressure on its European allies to deploy military forces in the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz. This development comes from a report by the German publication Der Spiegel, revealing that NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte has informed European capitals of U.S. President Donald Trump's expectations for specific commitments in the coming days.

According to information from several European officials familiar with the discussions during Rutte's meeting with Trump, the U.S. president's demands are effectively an ultimatum. Trump expects European countries to provide clear commitments regarding the deployment of warships or other military forces in the region, as the political assurances made at the onset of the U.S. and Israeli war against Iran are no longer deemed sufficient.

In addition, Trump is exerting considerable pressure on NATO partners, expressing new threats. American media reports indicate that the U.S. president is compiling a list of European countries that supported him in the conflict against Iran, as well as those that opposed him. This suggests that Washington is prepared to take action against those who do not align with its position.

It is noteworthy that on April 1, Trump hinted at the possibility of withdrawing the United States from NATO, citing that allies had refused to join his war against Iran. This declaration has raised concerns among European nations, which are closely monitoring the escalating tensions in the region.

Previously, Trump emphasized that the United States does not require assistance from NATO allies in the war against the Iranian regime. He also remarked that he has always viewed NATO as a one-sided arrangement, where the U.S. spends vast sums to protect European countries that are, in turn, unwilling to provide support during critical moments.

On March 17, Trump expressed his frustration over the actions of allies, stating that NATO did not assist the U.S. when it was needed. He also recalled the situation regarding Greenland, which he attempted to purchase from Denmark but was met with refusal.

On April 6, Trump revisited the NATO topic, asserting that his negative stance towards the Alliance began with European countries' refusal to agree to his proposal regarding Greenland.

Following his meeting with Rutte on April 9, Trump again criticized allies, claiming they did not support the U.S. when Washington needed it, and expressed doubts about their willingness to help in the future. He wrote on his social media platform, Truth Social: "NATO was not there when we needed them, and they won’t be there if they need us again. Remember Greenland — that big, poorly managed chunk of ice!!!".

In response to these statements, Rutte noted that Trump is "clearly frustrated" that many NATO allies did not support the U.S. and Israel's war against Iran as he had expected. The situation in the Strait of Hormuz and the U.S. stance on NATO remain at the center of international political discussions as events continue to unfold.