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US President Donald Trump said that NATO countries are allegedly willing to assist in clearing mines in the Strait of Hormuz, with some already deploying minesweepers.
Speaking on Fox News, Trump expressed strong dissatisfaction with the alliance:
“We are very disappointed in NATO. Very, very disappointed that they didn’t join earlier. Now they want to come and help with the strait, to clear it. It won’t take long. We will clear it, and they will be able to use it,” he said.
According to Trump, the United Kingdom will join the coalition involved in demining operations, although London has not officially confirmed this.
“As I understand it, the UK and several other countries are sending minesweepers there,” he added.
Trump also stated that the United States plans to impose a “full maritime blockade” on Iran, similar to measures previously used against Venezuela. He emphasized that Washington will not allow Tehran to profit from oil sales.
In addition, Trump made several other remarks:
- The US needs to reconsider its relationship with NATO due to a lack of support;
- Iran “has no cards” and is expected to return to negotiations;
- The US demands full compliance with its conditions, not partial concessions;
- Iran will never obtain nuclear weapons;
- The US could destroy Iran “in one day”;
- Washington is ready to continue strikes if Iran attempts to block the Strait of Hormuz;
- The US may impose 50% tariffs on China or any other country supplying military equipment to Iran.
Failed US–Iran talks
Earlier, after prolonged negotiations, US Vice President J.D. Vance confirmed that Washington and Tehran failed to reach an agreement to end the conflict, and the US delegation returned home without a deal.
Despite this, Trump later said on social media that talks in Pakistan had gone well overall, but Iran’s refusal to abandon its nuclear ambitions undermined progress.
He also announced that, following the collapse of negotiations, the US Navy would begin blocking the Strait of Hormuz, preventing any ships from entering or leaving, effectively cutting off Iran’s ability to generate revenue from maritime trade.
