Trump Calls NATO 'Cowards' Over Iran War Support
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- Trump posted on Truth Social calling NATO countries "COWARDS, and we will REMEMBER!" for refusing to help secure the Strait of Hormuz while complaining about high oil prices, claiming the war is "militarily WON" with "very little danger" for allies.
- The United Kingdom reversed course on Friday, allowing the US to use UK bases to target Iran for "collective self-defence of the region," including degrading missile sites attacking shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, per a statement from PM Keir Starmer's office.
- NATO confirmed it is "adjusting" its mission in Iraq, with Supreme Allied Commander Europe General Alexus Grynkewich announcing the relocation of all NATO Iraq mission personnel to Europe.
- French President Emmanuel Macron, speaking after a two-day EU summit in Brussels, said "I have not heard anyone here express a willingness to enter this conflict – quite the opposite," framing de-escalation as "the best we can do."
- The European Union summit in Brussels produced no consensus on measures to address the war's energy market fallout, with the European Central Bank set to cut growth forecasts and raise inflation predictions for the coming months, per Al Jazeera reporting.
- The US-Israeli conflict with Iran, which began February 28, has "killed thousands and displaced millions" and effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz, roiling global markets.
Why it matters: The UK broke from NATO's pattern of non-involvement by granting base access for Iran strikes, but the EU summit produced no consensus on energy measures, and with the ECB cutting growth forecasts and raising inflation predictions, European consumers face rising energy costs while the Strait of Hormuz remains effectively closed.
