Washington, Mar 17 (V7N) – US President Donald Trump has criticized NATO allies for their reluctance to participate in the United States’ military operation against Iran, calling their stance a “very stupid mistake.”

Speaking to reporters in the Oval Office on Tuesday, Trump said that while many NATO members agree with Washington’s position, they are unwilling to be directly involved in the conflict. “Everyone agrees with us, but they do not want to help. We think it is quite shocking,” he said.

Despite their reluctance to join militarily, Trump noted that NATO countries are still offering support for the broader US-Israel effort. When asked whether he would retaliate against allies for their position, the US president said he had no immediate plans to do so. Although he has previously threatened to withdraw the United States from NATO, he did not raise the issue during this exchange.

Trump also urged countries to assist in safeguarding the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global oil route through which about 20 percent of the world’s oil supply passes. His comments came after Iran reportedly disrupted tanker movement in the strait using drones, missiles, and naval mines in response to US-Israel strikes.

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