White House Press Secretary Says NATO Gains More from Strait of Hormuz Reopening
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt has asserted that NATO allies stand to benefit far more than the United States from the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. In a statement, she emphasized that President Donald Trump is calling on European partners to "do more" in light of this disparity.
US Energy Independence and Global Impact
Leavitt credited President Trump's energy agenda for ensuring the US is a net exporter of oil, with sufficient domestic resources for its population. She noted that while the Strait's reopening stabilizes the global oil industry and lowers prices, which is good for America, it provides greater advantages to Europe and NATO members. "The Strait's opening is obviously good for America because it will stabilise the global oil industry. It will bring prices down again. But it greatly benefits Europe and our allies in NATO, and the president wants to see them do more," she explained.
Criticism of NATO Fairness
Leavitt also criticized NATO for what she described as an unfair alliance for American taxpayers and the military. She pointed to the billions spent on housing US troops in NATO ally countries, which she said serves as a deterrent against adversaries. "One of the president's guiding principles is fairness. And he's long called out NATO for being what he believes sometimes an unfair alliance for the American taxpayer and our American military," she stated.
Additionally, she highlighted efforts to rectify unfair trade deals with NATO allies, such as new agreements with the UK and EU. Leavitt affirmed that President Trump is right to call on these nations to step up and contribute more.
Iran Conflict and Military Actions
In related developments, Leavitt confirmed that over 120 Iranian naval vessels have been sunk by Israeli strikes, with updates from CENTCOM. She described this as a positive outcome for the American people and regional allies, ensuring Iran cannot permanently possess nuclear weapons. "We're in a place right now where we're ensuring that Iran can no longer threaten the United States of America, and the United States military is doing a tremendous job at achieving these objectives," she added.
President Trump's Remarks on NATO Support
President Donald Trump previously criticized NATO allies for their reluctance to support the US in its conflict with Iran, calling it a "very foolish mistake." During a discussion with Irish Prime Minister Micheal Martin, Trump noted that while NATO members endorsed US strikes against Iran's nuclear capabilities, they failed to provide tangible assistance. He asserted that the US does not need help, having taken strong action to eliminate the nuclear threat from Iran.
