US President Donald Trump has warned that the future of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization could be affected if member states refuse to assist in securing the Strait of Hormuz, as rising tensions in the Middle East continue to threaten global oil supplies.
In an interview, Trump said it would be detrimental to the alliance if NATO members declined to support efforts aimed at protecting the strategic waterway, a critical corridor through which a substantial portion of the world’s oil shipments passes.
He also suggested that China should play a role in ensuring the passage remains open, warning that a planned summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping could be postponed if Beijing failed to cooperate in securing the route.
Speaking aboard the presidential aircraft Air Force One, Trump revealed that Washington was already in discussions with about seven countries regarding potential operations to patrol and protect the strait. He stressed that the United States would take note of which allies chose not to participate, saying their decisions would not be forgotten.
The warning comes as hostilities intensify across the region. Heavy bombardment has been reported in Tehran, while Iran and the militant group Hezbollah have launched missiles toward Israel. At the same time, Saudi Arabia reported intercepting dozens of drones overnight as air defence systems across the region remain on high alert.
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi dismissed the prospect of negotiations with Washington, insisting Tehran had not requested a ceasefire. He said there was little reason to engage with the United States after discussions were already underway before the latest attacks occurred.
The escalating conflict has also disrupted air travel across the Gulf. Authorities confirmed that Dubai International Airport, one of the world’s busiest aviation hubs, temporarily suspended flights after a drone-related incident triggered a fire near a fuel storage tank. Operations were halted for several hours before Emirates, the national carrier of Dubai, announced that limited flight services would gradually resume later in the morning.
Passengers stranded at the airport said they were initially unaware of the reason for the disruption. One traveller told reporters he remained on board the aircraft for around 40 minutes before the pilot announced a security incident and the closure of the airspace.
Global oil markets have remained volatile as the conflict threatens key supply routes. US-traded crude hovered around 98.97 dollars per barrel, while Brent crude traded above 104 dollars.
Earlier efforts by members of the International Energy Agency to release record levels of strategic petroleum reserves have done little to calm market concerns. Analysts warn that the impact of those measures could remain limited if the conflict continues to disrupt oil production and shipping routes across the Middle East.
