Trump slams NATO ‘One-Way Street’ as foreign allies decline to join offensive against Iran – One America News Network

OAN Staff Addie Davis and Brooke Mallory
2:25 PM – Tuesday, March 17, 2026

Following his Monday appeal for global aid in keeping the Strait of Hormuz open, President Donald Trump publicly acknowledged on Tuesday that most NATO nations are opting out of the U.S.-Israeli operation in Iran.

“The United States has been informed by most of our NATO ‘Allies’ that they don’t want to get involved with our Military Operation against the Terrorist Regime of Iran, in the Middle East, this, despite the fact that almost every Country strongly agreed with what we are doing,” the president posted to Truth Social on Tuesday.

President Trump characterized NATO as a “one-way street,” lamenting that the U.S. pours hundreds of billions into protecting allies who fail to provide reciprocal support during a crisis.

“Iran cannot, in any way, shape, or form, be allowed to have a Nuclear Weapon. I am not surprised by their action, however, because I always considered NATO, where we spend Hundreds of Billions of Dollars per year protecting these same Countries, to be a one way street — We will protect them, but they will do nothing for us, in particular, in a time of need. Fortunately, we have decimated Iran’s Military — Their Navy is gone, their Air Force is gone, their Anti-Aircraft and Radar is gone and perhaps, most importantly, their Leaders, at virtually every level, are gone, never to threaten us, our Middle Eastern Allies, or the World, again! Because of the fact that we have had such Military Success, we no longer “need,” or desire, the NATO Countries’ assistance — WE NEVER DID! Likewise, Japan, Australia, or South Korea. In fact, speaking as President of the United States of America, by far the Most Powerful Country Anywhere in the World, WE DO NOT NEED THE HELP OF ANYONE! Thank you for your attention to this matter. President DONALD J. TRUMP,” he continued.

 

This frustration follows his Monday press conference, where Trump pointedly urged nations with a higher economic dependency on the Strait of Hormuz to take the lead in securing the waterway, rather than relying solely on American military power.

Global markets have been thrown into turmoil as Iranian retaliatory strikes have throttled transit through the Strait of Hormuz. Since the launch of the U.S.-led Operation Epic Fury, this maritime artery — which carries approximately 20% of the world’s petroleum and liquefied natural gas — has become a primary theater of conflict, sparking international worries as energy security hangs in the balance.

President Trump intensified his pressure on the international community on Monday, arguing that the U.S. is bearing a disproportionate burden in the conflict with Iran.

He stated that while the U.S. receives “less than 1%” of its oil from the Strait of Hormuz, nations like China and Japan — which rely on the waterway for 90% or more of their supply — have yet to commit any warships to the coalition.

Highlighting the success of Operation Epic Fury, Trump also confirmed that U.S. forces have neutralized Iran’s primary maritime threat by destroying more than 30 mine-laying ships, effectively decimating Tehran’s ability to further block global energy lanes.

“We hit, to the best of our knowledge, all of their mine-laying ships,” he said.

On Saturday, the president took to Truth Social to provide a more optimistic update on the burgeoning maritime coalition, asserting that a growing number of nations are now deploying warships to the region to operate in conjunction with U.S. naval forces.

Trump described this collective mobilization as a vital response to Iranian provocation, emphasizing that these international partners are committing significant military assets to ensure the Strait of Hormuz remains a secure and open transit corridor for global commerce.

“Hopefully China, France, Japan, South Korea, the UK, and others, that are affected by this artificial constraint, will send Ships to the area so that the Hormuz Strait will no longer be a threat by a Nation that has been totally decapitated.”

“In the meantime, the United States will be bombing the hell out of the shoreline, and continually shooting Iranian Boats and Ships out of the water. One way or the other, we will soon get the Hormuz Strait OPEN, SAFE, and FREE!,” he continued.

While highlighting his consistent calls for international burden-sharing, Trump suggested that he remains unfazed by the lack of allied support, while confidently asserting that the United States possesses the overwhelming military might and strategic independence to secure its objectives alone.

He made it clear that while others are welcome to step up, the U.S. does not require the permission or the assistance of any other nation to protect its interests and maintain global stability.

“Because of the fact that we have had such Military Success, we no longer “need,” or desire, the NATO Countries’ assistance – WE NEVER DID! Likewise, Japan, Australia, or South Korea. In fact, speaking as President of the United States of America, by far the Most Powerful Country Anywhere in the World, WE DO NOT NEED THE HELP OF ANYONE!”

After being questioned about his relationship with French President Emmanuel Macron, Trump confirmed the two leaders had recently spoken, describing their conversation as part of his broader effort to coordinate an international response to the crisis.

Trump asserted, however, that while he maintains an open line of communication with Paris, the United States remains prepared to act decisively — regardless of whether it receives formal backing from its European allies.

“On a scale of zero to 10, I’d say he’s been an eight. Not perfect, but it’s France. We don’t expect perfect,” Trump said, suggesting that he believes the country will aid with the reopening of the strait.

Trump leveled sharp criticism against the United Kingdom as well, noting that London only expressed a willingness to deploy its aircraft carriers after the U.S. had already “obliterated” Iranian defenses. While acknowledging that the UK might eventually assist in securing the Strait of Hormuz, he insisted that such support should be offered enthusiastically rather than reluctantly.

The president further teased an expanding coalition, stating that a number of additional countries are preparing to get involved — with some “coming already” — and that formal announcements regarding these new partners would be made in the near future.