President Donald Trump’s widening criticism of European allies has put fresh pressure on NATO at a moment when the Iran war has elevated concerns about the flow of oil through the Strait of Hormuz. In comments and social posts over several days, Trump said the world should help the U.S. address consequences he tied to disruptions in shipping at the strait, while also signaling the U.S. could be nearing an end to its own campaign pace against Iran.
The criticism began with Trump fuming on social media at France and Britain, arguing that countries affected by Hormuz were not sufficiently supporting the U.S. and Israel’s war effort. Trump told followers that “All of those countries that can’t get jet fuel because of the Strait of Hormuz, like the United Kingdom” should “buy from the U.S., we have plenty,” and then “build up some delayed courage, go to the Strait, and just TAKE IT,” according to his post, which also referenced what he described as France’s lack of involvement.
Trump later turned directly to France, claiming the country was “very unhelpful” because it “wouldn’t let planes headed to Israel, loaded up with military supplies, fly over French territory.” The thrust of his message was that allies should do more to secure access along the waterway and to prevent the war’s knock-on effects from becoming a persistent U.S. burden, particularly as Iran has managed to largely choke off shipping through the strait.
Within the administration, top officials also stepped up anti-NATO rhetoric in the same period, raising concerns among European governments about what Trump’s critique could mean for alliance coordination. The piling on by figures including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth appeared to strengthen the sense in Europe that the U.S. approach to the alliance was hardening even as Trump showed signs he might be edging toward a quicker exit than earlier expectations.
At a Pentagon news conference, Hegseth argued that the U.S. did “the heavy lifting on behalf of the free world” against the threat posed by Iran. He also said countries that depend on oil normally flowing through the strait should understand that “getting shipping moving is ‘not just our problem set going forward,’” and added that “there are countries around the world who ought be prepared to step up on this critical waterway as well.”
In remarks to reporters from the Oval Office later Tuesday, Trump said protecting the Strait of Hormuz would not be a U.S.-only effort. He estimated that the U.S. would be done launching attacks against Iran in “two to three weeks” and said “That’s not for us,” adding that it would be “for France” and “for whoever’s using the strait.”
Financial markets responded positively to what investors interpreted as signals of potential changes in the conflict’s trajectory. The S&P 500 rose 2.9% to its biggest gain since last spring and the Dow industrials climbed more than 2.5% after Trump’s remarks and an interview with CBS News in which he said he was not quite ready to pull back U.S. troops massed near the strait but soon would.
Even as Trump directed responsibility outward, European governments faced their own diplomatic and strategic calculations about what to do next with an alliance under strain. Analysts cited by the report said Europe has incentives to keep engaged beyond the immediate need to secure the strait, including preventing further escalation and managing wider regional risks that could ripple into Europe through trade and security.
Spanish and French restrictions also factored into the latest friction. The report said NATO allies Spain and France had either forbidden or restricted the use of their airspace or joint military facilities for U.S. forces for the war. It also said Spain and France, along with other nations, agreed to assist in an international coalition aimed at keeping the Strait of Hormuz open once the conflict ends, but that the specifics of involvement—and the durability of the coalition—were unclear.
France and the U.K. sought to temper Trump’s rhetorical salvos. Macron’s office said in response to Trump’s criticism that “France has not changed its position since day one.” British Defense Secretary John Healey, speaking during a visit to Qatar, said the U.S. remained a key ally despite criticism from his American counterpart and said Britain was doing its part to help Gulf nations defend against Iranian attacks.
Healey said the U.K. is sending more missile and air defense systems to Bahrain, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia and extending the use of its Typhoon fighter jets in Qatar. He said, “The U.S. is a uniquely close ally to the U.K.” and described the relationship as one where the two nations “do things as two nations that no other militaries or intelligence services do,” framing Britain’s role around defending its people and partners.
While European officials insisted the conflict is not theirs to lead, they still saw room to shape the endgame. The report cited Yasmine Farouk of the International Crisis Group as saying Europe could use the moment to show Gulf partners it can be a partner, including by moving beyond defense support toward diplomatic work that offers “offramps and working on a deal.” It also cited a European Council on Foreign Relations analysis by Jeremy Shapiro that urged Europe to focus on economic consequences, press for diplomacy and maritime stabilization tied to a ceasefire, and build “an off-ramp that flattery Trump’s vanity,” with the aim of encouraging an earlier end to the war.