US President Donald Trump has reportedly threatened to suspend weapons supplies to Ukraine unless European countries join a proposed coalition aimed at securing the strategic Strait of Hormuz.
According to sources cited by the Financial Times, Trump linked the continuation of military support for Ukraine to Europe’s participation in a coalition designed to strengthen operations in the Hormuz region. The move reflects an escalation in leveraging international الملفات as pressure tools within a broader geopolitical strategy.
Pressure on Europe and NATO Criticism
The same sources indicated that Trump expressed frustration over Europe’s refusal to participate in the coalition. In remarks to the British newspaper The Telegraph, he once again described NATO as a “paper tiger”, signalling ongoing tensions with European allies.
Conditions on Iran and Ceasefire Talks
On Wednesday, Trump stated that a “new leader of the Iranian regime”, described as more intelligent and less rigid, had requested a ceasefire from Washington. He added that the United States would only consider such a request if Iran reopens the Strait of Hormuz.
Strategic Messaging and Domestic Pressure
According to the BBC, Trump’s statements are part of a broader approach that includes psychological warfare, strategic manoeuvring, and at times deliberate misdirection in managing the conflict with Iran. While this approach has been evident both before and during the current war, he is now facing growing pressure from American public opinion, which is increasingly resistant to a prolonged and unclear military engagement.
Iranian Response: Hormuz Will Remain Closed
In response, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps stated that the Strait of Hormuz will remain closed to what it described as “enemies”. The force dismissed Trump’s statements, asserting that they would not influence the status of the critical waterway.
In an official statement, the IRGC declared that control over the Strait of Hormuz lies decisively with its naval forces, adding that the passage would not be reopened to adversaries through what it described as “mocking displays” by the US president.
