Former President Donald Trump launched a scathing attack on NATO during a rally speech in Arizona on Friday, accusing the longstanding military alliance of offering tardy assistance with the Strait of Hormuz situation. Trump asserted that the United States never required NATO's support, highlighting a stance of national self-reliance.
Trump's Rally Remarks on NATO
Speaking at a Turning Point Action event in Phoenix, Trump recounted receiving a call from NATO inquiring if help was needed with the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global oil-shipping lane that has recently reopened. "Now that the Hormuz Strait situation is nearly over, I received a call from NATO asking if we would like some help," Trump told the enthusiastic crowd.
He continued with sharp criticism, stating, "I told them I would have liked your help two months ago, but now I really don't want your help anymore, because they were absolutely useless when we needed them." Trump further emphasised, "But actually we never needed them. They needed us."
Emphasis on Self-Reliance
Elsewhere in his address, the former president reinforced his message of independence from foreign alliances. "If it teaches us any one thing, we have to rely on ourselves," Trump remarked. "We can't rely on outside countries and outside sources." This commentary aligns with his longstanding scepticism towards multinational organisations and his "America First" policy approach.
Conflicting Reports on Strait of Hormuz Reopening
Earlier on Friday, both the United States and Iran announced the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, though details from each side presented discrepancies. Iran stated the strait is open for all commercial vessels solely for the duration of the ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon in the ongoing regional conflict.
In contrast, President Trump declared on social media that the strait is "fully open," explicitly noting this status is not "tied, in any way, to Lebanon." He added that the U.S. naval blockade on Iranian ports will persist until "OUR TRANSACTION WITH IRAN IS 100% COMPLETE."
Additional Claims and Denials
Trump also asserted on Friday that Iran had agreed to relinquish its enriched uranium, a claim strongly refuted by Iranian officials. In a series of online updates, the former president reiterated his NATO criticism, writing, "Now that the Hormuz Strait situation is over, I received a call from NATO asking if we would need some help. I TOLD THEM TO STAY AWAY, UNLESS THEY JUST WANT TO LOAD UP THEIR SHIPS WITH OIL."
The Independent has reached out to NATO for comment regarding these allegations, but no response has been provided at this time. This remains a developing news story, and further updates are anticipated as more information becomes available.
