According to reports from Financial Times sources, former President Donald Trump has allegedly threatened to stop weapons deliveries to Ukraine unless European countries assist in opening the Strait of Hormuz. The threat reportedly targets the PURL initiative, a NATO program where European countries fund American military equipment sent to Ukraine.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte reportedly described Trump as "quite hysterical" following the threat, according to the same sources. Rutte then urged European member countries to issue a statement expressing readiness to contribute to opening the strategic waterway.
it's not our war
European countries had previously been reluctant to participate in military operations to help the U.S. open the strait, with some reportedly responding that "it's not our war" when Trump demanded their involvement. This frustration allegedly led Trump to pressure the countries by threatening to halt U.S. weapons deliveries to the Ukraine initiative.
In March, several European countries including Sweden signed a statement indicating they were ready to "contribute to appropriate measures to ensure safe passage through the strait." This statement reportedly came after Trump's threat and pressure from Rutte.
contribute to appropriate measures to ensure safe passage through the strait
The Strait of Hormuz, through which over 20% of the world's crude oil is transported, has been effectively blockaded by Iran since the U.S. and Israel began military operations in late February. The blockade has caused fuel prices to surge worldwide and triggered stock market declines.