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Donald Trump has reportedly issued an ultimatum to NATO allies, demanding they commit warships to the Strait of Hormuz within days as tensions in the Gulf continue to threaten global energy supplies.
The US president is said to have set a deadline for what he described as his “very disappointing” allies to provide concrete military support, including naval deployments, troops and minesweeping vessels, to help reopen the critical shipping route.
Mark Rutte has briefed European capitals on Washington’s demands following talks at the White House, amid growing concern that the fragile ceasefire in the Middle East may not be enough to restore safe passage through the strait.
Despite claims from Tehran that the waterway is “open”, shipping traffic remains close to a standstill, with insurers and operators unwilling to risk transit through one of the world’s most strategically vital chokepoints. The disruption has already sent oil and gas prices soaring, fuelling fears of a prolonged global energy shock.
European diplomats have privately described Mr Trump’s demand as an “ultimatum”, warning that the US expects a detailed list from each NATO member outlining what military assets they are prepared to deploy in the coming days.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump accused the alliance of failing to act without pressure, saying NATO had been “very disappointing”.
Rutte struck a more conciliatory tone, suggesting that cooperation was both necessary and inevitable. “If NATO can help, then there is obviously no reason not to be helpful,” he said during a visit to Washington.
The UK is understood to be preparing deployment options should a more durable ceasefire take hold. Keir Starmer discussed the crisis with Trump on Thursday, with Downing Street emphasising the need for a “practical plan” to restore shipping through the strait.
Britain is also playing a leading role in a coalition of around 40 nations working to secure freedom of navigation in the Gulf, underscoring the scale of international concern over the crisis.
A NATO spokesman said the US was seeking “concrete commitments and action” from allies, signalling that diplomatic pressure is now being translated into military planning.
With the Strait of Hormuz still effectively constrained, the coming days could prove decisive — not only for the stability of the ceasefire, but for the security of global energy markets and the unity of the Western alliance.
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