Photo: Getty Images
Donald Trump threatened to halt weapons supplies to Ukraine unless European allies joined efforts to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, according to the Financial Times.
Following U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran, Tehran effectively blocked the стратегічний oil route, prompting Washington to call on NATO navies to help secure shipping. However, several European countries reportedly refused, calling the conflict “not our war.”
In response, Trump warned he could cut off arms deliveries to Ukraine via the PURL mechanism—a NATO-backed program funded by European nations—raising pressure on allies to reconsider their stance.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte played a key mediating role, holding urgent talks with Trump and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, while also urging countries like France, Germany, and the UK to support a joint позицію.
As a result, a group of NATO members issued a statement expressing readiness to contribute to securing safe passage through the strait.
While U.S. weapons deliveries to Ukraine have not yet been affected, Rubio indicated that Washington could redirect arms to its own stockpiles if needed, particularly in light of the conflict with Iran—highlighting ongoing uncertainty for Kyiv.
