British media: European countries were once threatened by Trump to join the "Hormuz Alliance"

According to a report by British media on April 1, U.S. President Trump pressured European countries to join the so-called “Hormuz Alliance” to control the Strait of Hormuz, or he would stop providing weapons to Ukraine. The Financial Times of the UK quoted sources saying that in March, Trump asked NATO naval forces to help reopen the Strait of Hormuz, but was rejected by many European countries. Trump responded by saying he would stop supplying materials to the “Ukraine Priority Needs List” mechanism. This mechanism is funded by some NATO European members and involves purchasing weapons from the U.S. to aid Ukraine.

It was reported that at that time, under the urging of NATO Secretary General Stoltenberg, some major NATO members hastily issued a joint statement on March 19, expressing willingness to make “appropriate efforts” to ensure the safe navigation of the Strait of Hormuz.

The report, citing informed sources, said that Stoltenberg insisted on issuing the joint statement because Trump threatened to cut off supplies to the “Ukraine Priority Needs List,” and Europe’s refusal to help made Trump “hysterical.”

On April 1, the British Daily Telegraph published an interview with Trump, stating that after NATO allies refused to help combat Iran, Trump was “seriously considering” withdrawing the U.S. from NATO. The report said Trump was dissatisfied with NATO allies’ lack of participation in fighting Iran and their unwillingness to guarantee the navigation of the Strait of Hormuz, calling it “incredible.”(Xinhua News Agency)