US President Donald Trump has sharply criticised NATO allies for refusing to join the war against Iran and for failing to help secure the strategic Strait of Hormuz, calling them “cowards” in a strongly worded statement.

Posting on his social media platform Truth Social, Trump said NATO countries were unwilling to participate in military operations against what he described as a “nuclear-powered Iran” or deploy forces to safeguard the vital oil shipping route.

“Without the U.S.A., NATO is a paper tiger,” Trump wrote, adding that allied nations had avoided joining the conflict but were now complaining about rising oil prices.

He claimed the war had been “militarily won” with minimal risk remaining for other countries, yet they were still reluctant to assist in reopening the Strait of Hormuz — a move he described as a “simple military manoeuvre” and the primary reason behind soaring oil prices.

Trump also warned that Washington would “remember” the lack of support from its allies.

The remarks come as Iran has effectively imposed a blockade on the Strait of Hormuz in response to US and Israeli strikes.

The waterway is a critical global energy corridor, handling roughly 20 to 25 per cent of the world’s seaborne oil trade, with an estimated 20 to 21 million barrels of crude and petroleum products passing through it daily.

The disruption has triggered a sharp rise in global oil prices, prompting the United States to press its allies to help secure the passage and restore energy flows.

However, reports indicate that several countries approached by Washington were not consulted ahead of the US-Israeli strikes on Iran, a factor that may have contributed to their reluctance to get involved.