Trump Demands Allies Join Iran War Effort, Faces Global Resistance
WASHINGTON — U.S. President Donald Trump issued a 48-hour ultimatum to Iran on Saturday, threatening to “hit and obliterate” its power plants if Tehran does not fully reopen the Strait of Hormuz to shipping, as escalating tensions grip the Middle East. The demand came as Iran launched what officials in the region described as its most destructive attack yet on Israel, prompting a sharp rebuke from Trump and a deepening sense of isolation for the United States.
The ultimatum, delivered via a post on Truth Social, represents a significant escalation in the three-week-old conflict. It also underscores a growing rift between the U.S. And its allies, who are largely refusing to join Washington in a military confrontation with Iran. According to sources cited by CNN, an F-35 fighter jet made an emergency landing at a U.S. Air base in the Middle East after being struck by what is believed to be Iranian fire.
Trump’s demand follows a pattern of seeking contributions from allies, framing it as a call to settle decades-old debts for U.S. Security guarantees. However, European leaders have shown little willingness to comply, citing a lack of consultation and a reluctance to be drawn into a conflict they did not initiate. “Here’s not Europe’s war. We didn’t start the war. We were not consulted,” European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas stated Wednesday.
The United Kingdom has outright refused to participate, while France has indicated it would only consider involvement after a de-escalation of hostilities. Prime Minister Keir Starmer has maintained that British troops require a “proper thought-through plan” and a basis in international law before deployment, conditions Trump’s administration has not met. Trump publicly criticized the UK’s stance, stating Tuesday, “I was not happy with the UK,” and lamenting that the country, “was sort of considered the Rolls-Royce of allies.”
The impasse extends beyond Europe. China, despite being asked for assistance, has ignored Trump’s call for help. This lack of international support is prompting concern within the U.S. Military establishment. Retired Lieutenant General Ben Hodges, former commanding general of the US Army in Europe, observed that allies are “looking at the United States in a way that they never have before. And this is bad for the United States.”
The closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a vital artery for global oil supplies, has already driven benchmark crude prices to $115 a barrel before a partial retreat on Friday, according to reports. Trump’s administration is seeking $200 billion in new Pentagon funding to address the escalating crisis, which he characterized as a “small price to pay” to equip the military.
While Trump has expressed frustration with the lack of allied support, he has also signaled a willingness to negotiate, praising French President Emmanuel Macron’s efforts to engage in dialogue with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian. “On a scale of zero to 10, I’d say he’s been an eight,” Trump said Tuesday. “Not perfect, but it’s France. We don’t expect perfect.”
However, Trump remains resolute in his demand for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, warning of severe consequences if his ultimatum is not met. Iran’s army has responded by threatening to target energy and desalination infrastructure in the U.S. And the region, according to the Fars news agency. The situation remains volatile, with no immediate resolution in sight and the threat of further escalation looming.