US President Donald Trump has lashed Australia and NATO in a scathing attack on allies, telling Sky News he was “very surprised” Prime Minister Anthony Albanese did not send troops to the Middle East.
The President did not mince his words on Friday (local time), criticising countries for failing to support the US in its fight against Iran.
Mr Trump told Sky News Washington correspondent Jonathan Kearsley he was “surprised” Australia had declined to assist in the war with Iran.
“Mr President, you took issue with Australia, Japan and South Korea this week,” Kearsley said.
“Very surprised,” Mr Trump replied.
“What would you like them to do?” Kearsley asked.
“Get involved … I was a little bit surprised they said no … we always say yes to them,” the President said.
“What did Australia say no to, what did Australia say no to Mr President?” Kearsley asked.
Overnight, Mr Trump labelled NATO allies “cowards” for refusing to send troops to secure the Strait of Hormuz.
“Without the USA, NATO is a paper tiger!” the US leader declared on Truth Social.
“They didn’t want to join the fight to stop a nuclear-powered Iran. Now that fight is militarily won, with very little danger for them. They complain about the high oil prices they are forced to pay, but don’t want to help open the Strait of Hormuz — a simple military manoeuvre that is the single reason for the high oil prices.
“So easy for them to do, with so little risk. Cowards.”
Kearsley said Mr Trump continues to “point the finger” at NATO.
The war continues to rage on with the US–Israel conflict with Iran closing in on three weeks.
Meanwhile, Mr Trump declared that the US “has won” against Iran.
“We have knocked out their navy, their air force, we’ve knocked out their anti-aircraft, we’ve knocked out everything,” he said.
“We are roaming free. From a military standpoint, all they’re doing is clogging up the Strait.
“But from a military standpoint, they’re finished.”
Energy prices remain a global concern, with the International Energy Agency warning the conflict is the “greatest threat to global energy supply in the history of the world”.
The US is set to deploy 2,500 marines to the Middle East in a bid to take control of the conflict.