President Donald Trump speaks with reporters before boarding Air Force One, Friday, March 13, 2026, at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland, for a trip to Florida. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)US President Donald Trump has warned that NATO could face a “very bad” future if member countries do not support efforts to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, according to an interview with the Financial Times published on Sunday.
Trump said countries that benefit from the vital oil shipping route should help ensure it remains open.
“It is appropriate that the people who are the beneficiaries of the Strait help ensure that nothing bad happens there,” he told the newspaper.
The warning comes as the waterway has been disrupted during the ongoing conflict involving the United States and Iran, raising concerns about global energy supplies.
Trump also said he could delay a planned summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping later this month if China does not clarify its position on the issue.
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“I think China should help too because they get 90% of their oil from the Strait,” Trump told the Financial Times, adding that he would prefer to know Beijing’s position before traveling.
“We may be delayed,” he said when asked about the possible visit.
The US president said cooperation from countries dependent on the sea route was important to ensure the safe passage of energy supplies.
Separately, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng met in Paris on Sunday during the first of two days of talks aimed at addressing issues of a trade truce between the two countries.
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The discussions are also seen as part of preparations for Trump’s possible visit to Beijing to meet Xi later this month.
