The future of North Atlantic Treaty Organisation could face serious consequences if member states refuse to help secure the strategic Strait of Hormuz, Donald Trump has warned amid escalating tensions in the Middle East.
In an interview, US president said it would be “very bad for the future of Nato” if allied countries declined to assist efforts aimed at safeguarding the vital shipping corridor, through which a significant share of the world’s oil supply passes.
Trump also suggested that China should help unblock the waterway and warned that a planned summit with Chinese leader Xi Jinping could be delayed if Beijing failed to support efforts to secure the route.
Speaking aboard Air Force One, Trump said he was already holding discussions with “about seven” countries regarding possible operations to police the strait.
“I will remember if they do not help,” he said, underscoring the importance Washington places on securing the strategic passage.
The warning comes as hostilities continue to intensify across the region. Heavy bombing has been reported in Tehran, while Iran and Hezbollah have launched missiles toward Israel.
Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia said it intercepted dozens of drones overnight as regional air defence systems remained on high alert.
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi dismissed the possibility of negotiations with Washington, saying Tehran had not requested a ceasefire.
“We don’t see any reason why we should talk with the Americans, because we were talking with them when they decided to attack us,” he said.
The conflict has also disrupted air travel in the Gulf. Authorities confirmed that Dubai International Airport, one of the world’s busiest aviation hubs, temporarily suspended flights following a drone-related incident that caused a fire near a fuel tank.
Airlines halted operations for several hours before Emirates, Dubai’s national carrier, announced limited flight services would resume later in the morning.
Passengers stranded at the airport said they were initially unaware of the cause of the disruption. One traveller told reporters he had waited on the aircraft for about 40 minutes before the pilot announced a “security incident” and closure of the airspace.
Meanwhile, oil markets remain volatile as the conflict threatens global supply routes. US-traded crude was hovering near $98.97 per barrel, while Brent crude traded above $104.
Earlier attempts by member states of the International Energy Agency to release record volumes of strategic oil reserves have done little to ease market concerns.
Analysts say the impact of those measures may be limited if the conflict continues to disrupt production and shipping routes across the Middle East.
Erizia Rubyjeana
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