Washington: In a sharp escalation of rhetoric amid rising Middle East tensions, US President Donald Trump has criticised NATO allies for refusing to provide military support in securing the crucial Strait of Hormuz, a key global oil transit route.

Taking to his social media platform, Trump accused allied nations of failing to act despite benefiting from US military efforts. “Without the U.S.A., NATO IS A PAPER TIGER!,” he said, adding that countries unwilling to assist in the operation were “cowards.”

Why is the Strait of Hormuz so important?

The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most critical maritime chokepoints, handling nearly 20% of global crude oil and liquefied natural gas shipments. Any disruption in this region directly impacts global oil prices, energy markets, and international trade.

The current crisis intensified after Iran reportedly enforced a blockade, severely disrupting commercial shipping. This has led to a sharp spike in oil prices worldwide, affecting economies across the globe.

What is behind the US-NATO dispute?

The tensions come in the backdrop of the ongoing US-Iran conflict, which escalated after the United States and Israel launched military strikes on Iran in late February. Tehran responded with retaliatory attacks across the Gulf region, further destabilising the situation.

While major global powers, including Britain, France, Germany, and Japan have expressed willingness to support efforts to secure the waterway, none have formally committed to a military mission so far. Some countries, including Germany and Italy, have indicated they would wait for a ceasefire before taking any action.

Trump, a long-time critic of NATO, has repeatedly questioned the alliance’s effectiveness.

Global impact: Oil prices and trade at risk

The ongoing standoff has raised concerns over energy security and global supply chains, with oil prices surging due to uncertainty in the region. Experts warn that prolonged disruption in the Strait of Hormuz could have far-reaching consequences for global markets, including higher fuel costs and inflationary pressures.