US President Donald Trump has said he is strongly considering pulling the United States out of NATO, sharply escalating tensions with European allies as the war-related crisis in the Strait of Hormuz continues to disrupt global energy markets.
At the same time, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced that Britain will host an emergency meeting of around 35 countries to discuss diplomatic and political steps needed to reopen the vital shipping route.
The twin developments underline a widening transatlantic divide over the Iran conflict and maritime security in the Gulf.
Trump Calls NATO a “Paper Tiger”
According to multiple reports published today, Trump criticized NATO allies for refusing to support US-led military efforts related to Iran and the reopening of Hormuz.
He reportedly described the alliance as a “paper tiger” and said a US withdrawal is now under serious consideration.
The remarks come after several NATO countries declined to join direct military operations in the Gulf, preferring diplomacy over escalation.
This has revived long-standing concerns about the future of NATO and Washington’s commitment to collective defense.
UK Leads Diplomatic Push on Hormuz
Starmer, however, moved to calm the diplomatic crisis by reaffirming Britain’s full commitment to NATO.
He called it “the single most effective military alliance the world has ever seen.” (euronews)
At the same press conference, he confirmed that the UK will convene talks involving about 35 countries to address the Strait of Hormuz blockade.
The summit will focus on:
- restoring freedom of navigation
- securing trapped commercial vessels
- resuming oil and LNG shipments
- planning post-conflict maritime security
Starmer also said military planners will later meet to discuss how the strait can be made safe once fighting ends.
Hormuz Crisis Raises Global Oil Market Fears
The Strait of Hormuz carries roughly 20% of global oil trade, making the current disruption one of the most serious risks to global energy supply.
With tanker traffic sharply reduced and multiple shipping firms pausing operations, markets remain highly sensitive to any diplomatic breakthrough.
Brent crude has already surged amid fears of prolonged closure.
NATO and Europe at a Turning Point
The latest remarks could mark a pivotal moment in Western security politics.
While Trump’s comments have reignited uncertainty over NATO’s future, Starmer’s Hormuz initiative positions the UK as a leading diplomatic actor in managing the crisis.
The immediate question now is whether diplomacy can reopen the strait before energy markets face further shocks.
