Trump doubles down on NATO criticism over Iran, Strait of Hormuz: ‘Japan is better ally’
WASHINGTON, DC: President Donald Trump stated that “Japan is better ally than NATO” because he believes they would be there for the US when needed as tensions with Iran continues.
During a phone interview with Fox News’s Martha MacCallum, the President criticized NATO members for not doing enough to help secure the Strait of Hormuz and said, “All we need is ‘numbers’ in the Strait to open it, Iran has nothing left."
Martha MacCallum reported on X that Trump “doubled down on his anger at NATO” and said the Iranian military challenge could be solved with more naval presence. When asked if Japan had provided any specific assurances of military support, Trump acknowledged constitutional limits but added they would be there for the US if needed.
I interviewed President Trump by phone. He doubled down on his anger at NATO and said all we need is “numbers” in the Strait to open it, Iran has nothing left. Also, when asked if Japan gave any assurance of military support given that 90 percent of their oil comes from
— Martha MacCallum (@marthamaccallum) March 20, 2026
the…
Trump praises Japan’s loyalty while criticizing NATO allies
Trump’s remarks followed a White House meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, where he highlighted the strength of US-Japan relations.
Fox News’s John Roberts noted on America Reports that keeping the Strait open is the “number one concern as we see gas prices going into the stratosphere.” Roberts played a clip of the President discussing this partnership, where Trump said, “We’ve had tremendous support and relationship with Japan on everything … In the case of Japan, I hear they get more than 90% of their oil through the Strait. So that’s a great reason to step up.”
Trump highlights Japan’s oil security amid rising gas prices
The President emphasized Japan’s reliance on oil moving through the Strait, connecting it to rising energy costs and the need for allied cooperation.
BREAKING: Trump just set the expectation loud and clear at this press conference with the Japanese guest at the White House: “I expect Japan to step up, because we have that kind of relationship.”
BREAKING: Trump just SET THE EXPECTATION loud and clear at this press conference with the Japanese guest at the White House: "I expect Japan to step up, because we have that kind of relationship."
— Gunther Eagleman™ (@GuntherEagleman) March 19, 2026
"In the case of Japan, they get 90% of their oil through the Strait, so that is a… pic.twitter.com/Rmmo8ew8uB
Trump slams NATO as ‘cowards’ in social media post
John Roberts also highlighted a post Trump shared on Truth Social on Friday morning, where he dismissed the alliance by writing, “Without the U.S.A., NATO IS A PAPER TIGER!”
Trump accused member nations of refusing to join the fight to stop a “Nuclear Powered Iran” and suggested they were hypocritical for complaining about oil prices while avoiding what he calls a “simple military maneuver.” Asserting that the campaign against Iran is “Militarily WON,”
Trump wrote that the mission involves “so little risk” for the allies, yet they remain hesitant. He concluded by labeling them “COWARDS” and warned, “we will REMEMBER!”
Roberts described this stance as a form of “presidential persuasion” intended to push NATO allies into taking more action as the Middle East crisis escalates.
