Trump added that because of the US’s “military success,” it no longer “needs, or desires, the NATO Countries’ assistance — WE NEVER DID,” and said Japan, Australia, and South Korea were also not required to help. He claimed the United States has “decimated Iran’s military,” including its navy, air force, air defences, and leadership, asserting that America is “by far the most powerful country anywhere in the world” and “does not need the help of anyone.”

FRANCE REJECTS TRUMP’S HORMUZ HELP REQUEST

French President Emmanuel Macron said on Tuesday that France would never take part in operations to unblock the Strait of Hormuz, pushing back on Trump’s suggestion that Paris might join US-backed efforts. Speaking at a cabinet meeting on Middle East conflicts, Macron said: “We are not party to the conflict and therefore France will never take part in operations to open or liberate the Strait of Hormuz in the current context.”

A French military official said Paris is acting independently of the US and would exclude its assets from any attempt to reopen the strait by force. Any mission to protect the strait, the official added, would require a ceasefire, reduction in hostilities, prior negotiations with Iran, and international coordination. French authorities continue working on a coalition to secure the strait once the security situation stabilises without US involvement.

The European Union’s main naval presence in the region remains limited to the Red Sea Aspides mission, launched in 2024 to protect vessels from attacks by Iran-aligned Houthis. EU foreign ministers on Monday decided not to extend that mandate.