President Donald Trump branded NATO allies “cowards” on Iran Friday, as more US Marines reportedly headed to the Middle East in a possible sign of a coming ground operation three weeks into the war.
A possible target for the troops could be Iran’s Kharg Island, with the White House telling AFP the United States could “take out” the vital oil hub at any time if Trump chose.
The Axios news outlet reported that Trump was considering an occupation or blockade of the island to pressure Tehran to reopen the crucial Strait of Hormuz.
Trump doubled down on his criticism of the NATO military alliance for not heeding his demand for help in securing the narrow waterway, as he blames Iran’s stranglehold over the strait for the spike in global oil prices.
“So easy for them to do, with so little risk. COWARDS, and we will REMEMBER!” Trump posted on his Truth Social network, accusing NATO of failing to join the “fight to stop a Nuclear Powered Iran.”
“Without the U.S.A., NATO IS A PAPER TIGER!”
Six key powers including Britain, France, Germany and Japan — whose premier met Trump at the White House on Thursday — say they are ready to “contribute to appropriate efforts” but have not made any commitment.
