President Donald Trump voiced strong disappointment with NATO allies for failing to assist in efforts to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, where Iranian threats have led to a blockade of oil tankers, during remarks in the White House Oval Office.
Trump highlighted the strategic importance of the Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman region near Iran, noting that much of the world’s oil assets and shipping tankers are clustered there. He specifically mentioned calls for help from allies including Japan, South Korea, and others, questioning whether they would commit their militaries to operations involving ship escorts to open the strait.
The comments came as the U.S. continues military operations against Iran following strikes conducted approximately eight months ago using B-2 bombers. Trump stated that Iran had been “acting up” for 48 years and described the regime as “vicious players” who could not be allowed to possess a nuclear weapon.
“If they got a nuclear weapon, I would say they would have used it within 24 hours after having it,” Trump said. He asserted that a nuclear war in the Middle East—and potentially affecting Europe—had been averted by the U.S. action. “You would have had it if we didn’t bomb them out from on that great raid with the B2 bombers eight months ago or so.”
Trump directly addressed the resignation earlier in the day of Joe Kent, Director of the National Counterterrorism Center, who stated he could not support the conflict with Iran. Trump described Kent as someone he had thought was “a nice guy” but “very weak on security.”
“I read his statement… I realized that it’s a good thing that he’s out because he said that Iran was not a threat,” Trump said. He emphasized that Iran had long been viewed as a major threat by many countries and military scholars, who had advocated action to prevent nuclear weapons development.
Trump reiterated his decision to terminate what he called “one of the worst deals ever made” by former President Barack Obama—the Iran nuclear deal. He referenced reports of Obama-era cash transfers to Iran, including Boeing 757 aircraft loaded with hundreds of millions of dollars after seats were removed, describing it as “almost as ransom” and something that “wouldn’t happen with Trump.”
The president argued that without terminating the deal and conducting the strikes, a “nuclear holocaust” would have occurred. He criticized those who downplay Iran’s threat as “not smart people or they’re not savvy people.”
Turning to NATO, Trump expressed dissatisfaction that allies acknowledge Iran as a threat but refuse to provide help. “When they say it was a threat but we’re not going to help… I think they’re very foolish,” he said. He contrasted this with U.S. support for Ukraine, noting that the U.S. has provided significant assistance—estimated at $350-400 billion under the previous administration in equipment and cash—while allies have not reciprocated in the current situation. Trump added that Ukraine “would have been over in one day” without U.S. equipment supplied by “Sleepy Joe Biden.”
When asked about potential repercussions for NATO or rethinking the U.S. relationship with the alliance, including possibly withdrawing, Trump said he was “disappointed” that the U.S. has spent “trillions of dollars” on NATO over the years, contributing to deficits. “When they don’t help us… it’s certainly something that we should think about.” He noted he does not need congressional approval for such a decision but currently has “nothing in mind” regarding changes.
Trump dismissed concerns about escalation, responding to a question about Iranian warnings of “another Vietnam” if boots are placed on the ground by saying, “I’m not afraid of anything.” He described the Iran operation as largely military in nature and “essentially largely over in two or three days,” with Iran’s navy, air force, and anti-aircraft capabilities neutralized.
“We’re flying over Iran. We could take out their electric capacity in one hour,” Trump stated, adding that discussions on further options—including targeting electricity or oil infrastructure on Kharg Island—had involved advisors Pete, Marco, JD, and Chris. The only infrastructure spared, he said, were certain roads and pipes to allow for potential rebuilding under new leadership, describing Iran as a country “run by fear” where protesters are threatened with death, but one that could become “prosperous” again with the right governance. “The people are great. The people are smart and energetic.”
On a separate note, Trump briefly addressed Cuba, saying the government is “in very bad shape” and that discussions are underway with Marco, with actions expected “very soon.”
Regarding China, Trump indicated that a meeting with President Xi is being rescheduled for about five or six weeks and described the current U.S.-China relationship as positive and economically beneficial.
The remarks underscored ongoing tensions over burden-sharing with allies in the wake of U.S. actions against Iran and efforts to ensure safe passage through the critical Strait of Hormuz.