[US-Iran Conflict] Trump Furious at Europe: "Never Seen Him This Angry"

Europe Hesitant About Military Intervention in Strait of Hormuz
Graham, Key Trump Ally, Delivers Message
"If Support Falters, Serious Repercussions Will Follow"

Republican Senator Lindsey Graham of South Carolina is speaking in front of supporters in Columbia, South Carolina on the 16th (local time). Photo by AP Yonhap News

Republican Senator Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, a key ally of U.S. President Donald Trump and a staunch supporter of military operations, has warned that NATO allies’ reluctance to form a joint coalition could have "far-reaching ramifications" for alliance relations.

According to political media outlet The Hill and others, on the 17th (local time), Senator Graham stated on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter), "I just spoke with the President about the issue of European allies being hesitant to provide assets to ensure safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz," adding, "I have never seen him this angry in my life."

Since last weekend, President Trump has been strongly urging the formation of a multinational coalition to oversee security in the Strait of Hormuz, which has been blockaded by Iran. He is reported to have requested military involvement from seven countries, including Germany, Australia, Japan, and South Korea.

However, as a significant number of allied nations have expressed a negative stance towards military involvement, President Trump publicly voiced his dissatisfaction toward NATO allies on this day. Through Truth Social, he stated, "I have been informed by NATO allies that they do not wish to participate in our military operation against the terrorist regime in Iran in the Middle East," adding, "We do not need anyone’s help." He further commented, "Japan, Australia, and South Korea are no different."

Senator Graham warned that if little support is provided for the passage through the Strait of Hormuz, there will be extensive and grave ramifications for both Europe and the United States. He said, "I am very active in supporting the alliance, but moments of real testing like this make one reconsider the value of alliances," adding, "I am not the only senator who feels this way."

He also characterized Europe’s approach to nuclear deterrence against Iran as "a disastrous failure." He said, "The arrogance of allies who believe that a nuclear-armed Iran is not a significant problem and that conducting military operations to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear bombs is America’s problem, not theirs, goes beyond mere discomfort."

Senator Graham is known as one of the most hardline supporters of military operations against Iran. Within the Republican Party, he is regarded as a ‘hawk’ and has consistently advocated for strong responses not only regarding the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan in the past, but also with respect to Russia, Iran, and North Korea.

Meanwhile, the White House, when asked about President Trump’s remarks, reiterated its position by quoting his Truth Social post, stating, "The United States no longer needs or wants the support of NATO countries."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.