Trump slams NATO allies as ‘cowards’ over Iran conflict

US President Donald Trump has sharply criticised NATO member states for failing to support military operations in the ongoing Iran conflict, calling them “cowards” for not deploying forces to secure the Strait of Hormuz or assist in the Iran war.
In a post on his Truth Social account, Trump wrote, “Without the United States, NATO is a paper tiger! They did not want to join the fight against nuclear-armed Iran.” He added that while NATO nations complain about rising oil prices, they are unwilling to take the relatively simple military step of reopening the strategic waterway—a move he said could lower fuel costs.
“It could have been done with minimal risk. Cowards all. We will remember this,” Trump said.
Switzerland suspends arms exports to US
Amid the escalating conflict, Switzerland has halted arms exports to the United States to maintain its neutral stance.
In a statement on Friday, the Swiss government said it would not approve the shipment of weapons to any nation involved in the ongoing Iran war. “At present, authorizations for arms exports to the United States cannot be granted,” the statement added.
Sabotage hits Israeli arms facility in Czech Republic
A facility linked to Israeli defense company Elbit Systems in the Czech Republic was damaged in an arson attack early Friday. A clandestine group calling itself “The Earthquake Faction” claimed responsibility.
Czech authorities are investigating possible terrorist connections. Several buildings at the joint Czech-Israeli facility were destroyed. Elbit supplies military equipment used by Israel, including in operations in Gaza and Iran, reports Al Jazeera.
The group issued a statement via Telegram: “This site was crucial for Israel’s largest arms manufacturer in Europe. Now it is burning. We will take necessary measures to destroy the tools of murder supplied to Israel and its allied governments.”
Attempted breach at UK nuclear submarine base
In Scotland, police arrested a 34-year-old man and a 31-year-old woman for allegedly attempting to enter a UK nuclear submarine base on the west coast. Authorities have not disclosed the suspects’ nationalities. The base houses the UK’s nuclear-armed submarines, and an investigation into the attempted breach is ongoing.
Iranian oil sanctions may be lifted soon
US Energy Secretary Chris Wright indicated that Iranian oil currently held in tankers could reach Asian markets within three to four days if sanctions are lifted.
Earlier, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent had suggested that sanctions could be eased to stabilize oil prices and reopen the Strait of Hormuz, which has been contributing to the global fuel price surge.