Donald Trump says success in Hormuz is close, but what are the risks the US is not discussing? Details here

Donald Trump said he believes the Strait of Hormuz will be secured in the near future, even as NATO countries are not participating in the ongoing conflict with Iran, according to CNN. Speaking to reporters, he said the process would not take long and described ongoing actions along the coast and surrounding waters.

However, he did not provide a clear timeline or explain how the United States intends to secure the strategic waterway, which remains a key global oil transit route.

Despite the absence of NATO involvement, Trump pointed to support from regional allies. He said Middle Eastern countries, including Israel, have been assisting the United States.

Earlier, Trump had also called on allies to contribute to efforts aimed at securing the Strait of Hormuz. The lack of NATO participation highlights differences among Western partners on how to approach the conflict with Iran.

Trump rejected warnings from Iran’s deputy foreign minister, who had cautioned that deploying US troops could result in a conflict similar to Vietnam. When asked about this possibility, Trump said he was not concerned and dismissed fears of escalation.

His remarks indicate a firm stance on continuing US involvement without being influenced by such warnings.

During discussions, Trump expressed disappointment with Keir Starmer for not sending minesweepers or offering additional support in the Strait of Hormuz. He compared Starmer unfavourably to Winston Churchill and criticised the United Kingdom’s policies on energy and immigration.

Trump described Starmer as a nice individual but said he had not delivered in terms of support. He also said he was disappointed with NATO and some other countries for their limited role in the situation.

Micheál Martin defended Starmer during a meeting at the Oval Office. He emphasised that the relationship between Europe and the United States remains important across several areas, despite recent disagreements.

Martin said that while there have been issues over the past one or two years, both sides have managed to resolve them. He also pointed to ongoing engagement between Europe and the US on trade matters, suggesting that agreements could be reached again.

He added that Starmer has played a role in improving relations between Ireland and the United Kingdom and described him as a sincere and reliable leader capable of maintaining cooperation with the US.

Trump also addressed remarks by Catherine Connolly, who had criticised the war in Iran and called it a violation of international law. She had stated that the normalisation of war should not be accepted.

In response, Trump said Ireland’s leadership should be thankful for US actions aimed at preventing Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons. While responding, he appeared to refer to Connolly using the wrong gender.

He argued that preventing what he described as dangerous states from acquiring nuclear weapons is necessary and said countries should appreciate the US position.

Opposition parties in Ireland have argued that US and Israeli strikes on Iran violate international law. While Micheál Martin did not describe the strikes as illegal, he said they were not carried out under a United Nations mandate.

Martin has consistently called for de-escalation and a peaceful resolution to the conflict. During the Oval Office meeting, he also acknowledged concerns around nuclear weapons, stating that no rogue state should have access to such capabilities.

Overall, the developments reflect ongoing tensions around the Strait of Hormuz, differing positions among allies, and continued debate over how to address the conflict with Iran.