U. S. President Donald Trump has warned that NATO could face serious consequences if alliance members ignore Washington’s request to help secure shipping routes in the Strait of Hormuz.

In an interview with the Financial Times, Trump suggested that a lack of support from allies would cast doubt on the future of the alliance. According to the American leader, a refusal or silence from partner countries would reflect badly on NATO’s long-term prospects.

Trump also acknowledged that he is not fully confident NATO partners would come to the United States’ aid if needed. The head of the White House said he had long pointed to what he sees as an imbalance within the alliance. In his view, Washington remains ready to defend its allies, while their willingness to reciprocate remains uncertain.

Commenting on tensions around the Strait of Hormuz, Trump noted that Iran has the capability to create serious disruptions in the area. He did not rule out the possibility that Tehran could mine the strait, describing such a scenario as an unwelcome complication for international shipping.

Earlier, The Wall Street Journal reported that the White House was preparing to announce the formation of an international coalition aimed at escorting vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz. However, the newspaper indicated that several countries — including Japan, the United Kingdom, and France — had already declined to deploy naval forces to the region.

On March 14, Trump also called on China and other nations to send warships to the area to counter potential threats to maritime traffic. At the same time, he emphasized that the United States intends to ensure security and freedom of navigation in the region in the near future.