Two key NATO members said they won't join the U.S.'s blockade of the Strait of Hormuz as tensions between Washington and several members of the alliance continues.
Reuters detailed that Britain and France said they won't be dragged into the conflict by taking part in the operation.
Moreover, Spanish Defense Minister Margarita Robles condemned the blockade, saying it "makes no sense." "This is just another episode of the downward spiral we have been dragged into, and that they have tried to drag the entire world into," she added.
The outlet went on to note that several European countries said they are willing to help guarantee navigation through the key waterway but after parties reach a deal to end hostilities and prevent ships from being attacked.
The development comes after NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte reportedly told European leaders that President Donald Trump wants concrete commitments on passage through the strait within days. However, the remarks were made before talks between the U.S. and Iran in Pakistan failed during the weekend.
Trump has repeatedly slammed members of the alliance and a meeting with Secretary-General Mark Rutte last week did not appear to help address tensions. The president slammed the alliance after the meeting, saying in a social media publication that "NATO WASN'T THERE WHEN WE NEEDED THEM, AND THEY WON'T BE THERE IF WE NEED THEM AGAIN."
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt echoed the criticism, saying "it's quite sad that NATO turned their backs on the American people over the last six weeks when it's the American people who have been funding their defense."
The U.S. Central Command anticipated that the blockade will impact "vessels of all nations entering or departing Iranian ports and coastal areas." It added that it will allow ships traveling between non-Iranian ports to transit the strait but they won't be able to leave.
Trump announced the blockade on Sunday, adding that at "an appropriate moment, we are fully "LOCKED AND LOADED," and our Military will finish up the little that is left of Iran."
Iran, in turn, is threatening to strike all ports if the U.S. moves forward with the blockade. "Security in the Persian Gulf and the Sea of Oman is either for everyone or for NO ONE," the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting reported Monday, according to The Associated Press.
