US allies are becoming used to Donald Trump making threats, implicitly or explicitly, about Nato. A few weeks ago the president declined to rule out using force to seize Greenland, a Danish territory — which could have spelled the end of the north Atlantic alliance. Now, in an interview with the FT, Trump has warned that it will be “very bad for the future of Nato” if US allies fail to help in unblocking the Strait of Hormuz.
America’s partners are suffering, too, from soaring oil prices since Iran in effect closed the crucial oil artery. Getting dragged into the Middle East conflict, however, could be worse. They have every right to remain outside a war they did not seek or endorse.
Trump has called for European allies including the UK and France, as well as China, Japan and South Korea, to join a coalition to open the strait. Despite America’s naval strength, officials say European countries possess specialised assets such as minehunting ships and drones. For the US, having a multi-flagged fleet in the strait makes it harder for Iran to retaliate without risking escalation on multiple fronts.