President Donald Trump has sharply criticized key Western allies for refusing to support U.S. efforts to secure the Strait of Hormuz, as the conflict with Iran and Israel continues across the Middle East. The ongoing war has entered its third week, raising concerns over regional stability and global energy supply.
Trump expressed disappointment that countries including Germany, Spain, and Italy declined to send warships to escort oil tankers through the strategic waterway.
“Some allies have shown willingness, but others lacked enthusiasm,” Trump said at the White House, emphasizing the importance of allied support given the United States’ longstanding assistance to partner nations.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz noted that Berlin lacked the necessary mandate from international bodies such as the UN, EU, or NATO and that Germany had not been consulted before the conflict began.
Strait of Hormuz Blockade Impacts Global Energy
The Strait of Hormuz, a critical passage for approximately 20% of global oil and liquefied natural gas shipments, remains largely blocked due to Iranian drones and naval mines. The disruption has driven oil prices higher and heightened fears of inflation and energy supply chain instability worldwide.
Iran and Israel Exchange Fresh Attacks
The conflict intensified as Israel launched strikes on Iranian infrastructure in Tehran and Hezbollah-linked targets in Beirut. In retaliation, Iran conducted missile and drone attacks on Israeli territory, demonstrating continued long-range strike capabilities.
Iran also expanded attacks across the Gulf, targeting oil and transport facilities in the United Arab Emirates, including a drone strike on an oil facility in Fujairah and suspension of operations at the Shah gas field in Abu Dhabi. Airspace closures disrupted major hubs, including Dubai International Airport, one of the busiest airports in the world.
Meanwhile, rockets and drones targeted the U.S. embassy in Baghdad, marking one of the most intense assaults on American assets since the war began. No casualties were reported.
Human Cost of the War
The conflict, which started on February 28, 2026, has killed at least 2,000 people across the Middle East, including approximately 200 children in Iran, according to Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi. Civilian casualties and emotional scenes at burial sites highlight the human toll of the ongoing war.
Trump noted that Iran’s attacks on Gulf countries like Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and Kuwait were unexpected, though U.S. intelligence had previously warned that military action against Iran could trigger regional retaliation.
