US President Donald Trump accused NATO members of making a "foolish mistake" by refusing to help secure the Strait of Hormuz. Trump invited allied countries to deploy warships to the region, but none committed to participation.

"We don't need help from anyone," Trump wrote on Truth Social, escalating his rhetoric toward European allies.

The shallow Persian Gulf, only 60 meters deep, combined with more than 5,000 Iranian naval mines, makes defense extremely challenging. Analysts note that blocking the strait requires far fewer resources than keeping it open - a strategic asymmetry that favors Iran.