Trump said Monday during a meeting with reporters at the White House that "several countries" have promised to help, without specifying which ones. He also noted that many allies have so far rejected his offer.
For 40 years we have protected you - and you don't want to get involved, he said, adding:
We strongly urge other countries to join us and participate quickly - with great enthusiasm.
In a previous interview with the British Financial Times, Trump warned that if "there is no response or if there is a bad response, I think it will be very bad for the future of NATO."
Since the outbreak of war just over two weeks ago, Iran has attacked and threatened shipping traffic in the Strait of Hormuz - through which approximately a fifth of the world's oil production passes.
"An eight, not perfect"
At Monday's press conference, the American president said he expects help from the British and the French. In a phone call with French President Emmanuel Macron, the response was "an eight, not perfect," according to Trump.
"I think he will help," Trump said, adding that he also believes Britain will participate in a future Hormuz operation.
Whether that will happen remains to be seen.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has said that the country “will not be drawn into the larger war.” However, the British are working with allies on a plan to reopen the waterway, according to Starmer.
"Not NATO's war"
Several countries have made clear that there are no plans to send any ships.
The war with Iran is "not NATO's war," said Stefan Kornelius, spokesman for German Chancellor Friedrich Merz. He referred to NATO as a defense alliance and said it should not be invoked for self-initiated wars.
According to Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson (M), Swedish participation is not an option.
Neither Australia nor Japan plans to send any ships to the strait.
Trump warns that a meeting with Chinese leader Xi Jinping later in March could be delayed if China does not help secure the Strait of Hormuz.
