WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump has warned NATO allies and major global oil consumers of a “very bad” future for the alliance if they fail to provide military support to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. The critical chokepoint has been paralyzed since the conflict with Iran escalated two weeks ago.

Key Developments:

• Demands for Aid: Trump is calling for a "team effort" involving China, France, Japan, South Korea, and the UK to provide minesweepers and naval forces to counter Iranian coastal threats.
• Diplomatic Pressure: The President indicated that his upcoming summit with Xi Jinping may be postponed if China—which relies on the Strait for 90% of its oil—does not act immediately.
• Friction with UK: Trump expressed frustration with PM Keir Starmer, accusing the UK of being reluctant to commit forces during the heat of the conflict.
• Economic Impact: With the Strait closed, global crude prices have surged 45% to $106 per barrel. Trump threatened further strikes on Iran's Kharg Island export hub if the blockade persists.

The "Burden Sharing" Stance

Trump maintains that because Europe and Asia are the primary beneficiaries of Gulf oil, they must share the military risks. "It's only appropriate that people who are the beneficiaries... will help make sure nothing bad happens there," he told the Financial Times.