Washington: Donald Trump has publicly criticised key Pacific and NATO partners for what he described as insufficient backing in Washington’s ongoing confrontation with Iran, raising fresh concerns over divisions among traditional allies.
Speaking at a press briefing on Monday, Trump expressed frustration that several countries had not contributed to efforts linked to the conflict, including securing maritime routes such as the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz.
The US president singled out nations including South Korea, Australia and Japan, questioning their absence from active support roles. He pointed to the long-standing American military presence in the region, noting that tens of thousands of US troops are stationed in these countries as part of security arrangements.
Trump also extended his criticism to members of NATO, suggesting that their reluctance to participate in operations related to reopening key shipping lanes reflected a lack of shared responsibility.
During his remarks, Trump referenced the US military deployments in East Asia, including troops based in Japan and South Korea, which are primarily tasked with deterring threats from Kim Jong Un and maintaining regional stability.
The comments come at a time of heightened geopolitical tensions, with the US seeking broader international cooperation amid escalating hostilities in West Asia. Trump’s remarks are likely to intensify diplomatic discussions around burden-sharing and alliance commitments in times of conflict.
