Trump warns NATO of a "very bad future" if Strait of Hormuz is not kept open

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\r[The Financial News] As President of the United States Donald Trump has called on five countries, including South Korea, to dispatch warships to ensure freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, he also warned the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) that it would face a very "bad future" if member states failed to cooperate.
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In an interview with the Financial Times (FT) on the 15th (local time), Trump stated, "It is only natural that the countries that benefit from the Strait of Hormuz should help make sure that bad things do not happen there."
The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) has been a central pillar supporting the liberal international order since World War II. However, since taking office, Trump has consistently expressed a negative view of NATO, pressing allies to increase their defense spending.
Regarding his request, he cautioned, "If there is no response or if the reaction is negative, it will have a very bad impact on NATO's future." He added, "We had no obligation to help them with the Ukraine issue, which is thousands of miles away. But we acted very generously, and now we will see whether they will help us."
When asked what specifically was needed, Trump replied, "Whatever support is necessary," and argued that "allies should send mine-clearing ships."
He went on to say that "personnel are needed to take out the 'bad guys' along the Islamic Republic of Iran's coastline."
The FT interpreted this as Trump seeking support from European special forces to eliminate Iranian drones, naval mines and other threats that have become a headache for the U.S. military.
Trump stressed, "Since (the member states) are benefiting, they should help us patrol the strait," adding, "We will help them, but they also need to be on the ground."
Meanwhile, the United Kingdom (UK) and France, which received Trump's request, have so far maintained a cautious stance, limiting themselves to general statements of principle.
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moon@fnnews.com Reporter Moon Young-jin Reporter