Donald Trump ‘very surprised’ Australia declined to send troops to strait of Hormuz amid fuel crisis | Donald Trump
Donald Trump said he was “very surprised” Australia did not send warships to help open the Strait of Hormuz as its blockade of a key strategic route for global oil supplies continues to impact fuel prices.
“I’m very surprised,” the US president said Friday when asked what he was discussing in Washington regarding Japan, South Korea and Australia.
“Well, they have to participate and I’m a little surprised they said no because we always tell them yes,” he told Sky News Australia.
Trump did not answer when asked what Australia was saying no to.
Earlier this week, Trump criticized Japan, Australia and South Korea for saying they would not send warships to the Gulf.
“The United States has been informed by many of our NATO ‘Allies’ that they do not wish to participate in our Military Operation against the Iranian Terrorist Regime in the Middle East,” the social media post read.
“We no longer ‘need’ or desire assistance from NATO Nations – WE NEVER HAVE! Likewise Japan, Australia or South Korea.”
Also Friday, the president lashed out at NATO, describing alliance members as “cowards” for not wanting to “help open” the Strait of Hormuz.
Globally important shipping lanes between Oman and Iran were closed shortly after the latest conflict in the Middle East began three weeks ago, sending shockwaves through fuel markets.
The International Energy Agency has warned that the conflict sparked by US-Israeli attacks on Iran in February is “the greatest threat to global energy supplies in world history”.
