On Friday, March 20, 2026, President Donald Trump labeled NATO allies as "COWARDS" and a "PAPER TIGER" on Truth Social, criticizing their refusal to join the U.S.-Israel military campaign against Iran.

 

Trump slams NATO 'cowards' for refusing to help war on Iran

On Friday, March 20, 2026, President Donald Trump labeled NATO allies as "COWARDS" and a "PAPER TIGER" on Truth Social, criticizing their refusal to join the U.S.-Israel military campaign against Iran.

 

The primary points of contention include:

Strait of Hormuz Security: Trump specifically targeted allies for failing to help reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a vital shipping route currently blocked by Tehran.

Global Oil Prices: He argued that because the war is "militarily won," reopening the strait is a "simple military maneuver" with low risk, blaming allied inaction for the spike in global oil prices.

NATO's Purpose: Trump claimed that without U.S. support, NATO is a "paper tiger," and warned that the U.S. "will REMEMBER" their lack of assistance.

Allied Response: Major allies including Germany, France, and Italy have rebuffed the call, stating that NATO is a defensive alliance and this is "not NATO's war". However, the United Kingdom recently authorized the use of its military bases for U.S. strikes against Iranian targets.

The conflict, which began on February 28, 2026, has led to thousands of casualties and remains ongoing despite Trump's claims of military victory.