Trump calls NATO a ’coward’

US President Donald Trump has harshly criticized NATO allies for not helping the US-Israeli war against Iran. With the Strait of Hormuz virtually closed and the conflict showing no sign of an end, he wrote on Truth Social on Friday, "NATO countries are cowards, and we will remember."

Trump accused NATO countries of refusing to join the fight against Iran, while complaining about high oil prices. He wrote that now that fight has been won militarily, with very little risk to them. They complain about high oil prices, but they don't want to help open the Strait of Hormuz. That's the only reason for the high prices. It's so easy for them to do it, with so little risk.

However, amid this criticism, news of a change in tone from the UK came. The UK announced on Friday that it would allow the US to use British bases for the 'collective self-defense of the region.'

A statement from Prime Minister Keir Starmer's office said ministers "strongly condemned Iran's attacks on international shipping." They also confirmed that the agreement to use British bases for US forces in the region for collective self-defense includes US defensive operations to destroy missile sites and capabilities used to attack ships in the Strait of Hormuz.