US President Donald Trump has warned that NATO could face a “very bad” future if allied nations do not support efforts to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. The vital shipping lane has effectively been shut by Iran during the ongoing conflict in West Asia, causing serious disruptions to global oil transport.

In a short interview with the Financial Times on Sunday, Trump said the United States expects assistance from European allies as the closure of the strait pushes energy prices higher worldwide.

Trump Signals Possible Delay of Xi Summit

Trump also suggested that a planned meeting with Xi Jinping in Beijing could be postponed while the United States seeks China’s help in reopening the strategic waterway.

“We’d like to know before” the summit, Trump said.

He pointed out that countries such as China and several European nations depend far more than the United States on oil shipments passing through the Gulf region.

“It’s only appropriate that people who are the beneficiaries of the Strait will help to make sure that nothing bad happens there,” Trump said.

US Holding Talks With Several Countries

According to Trump, Washington is currently discussing possible support with multiple nations.

Speaking to journalists aboard Air Force One, he said the United States has been consulting with “about seven” countries regarding efforts to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

When asked what type of assistance Washington expects, Trump explained that the US is seeking help with minesweeping operations as well as military support.

He told the Financial Times that the US wants minesweepers and “people who are going to knock out some bad actors that are along the (Iranian) shore.”

Oil Markets React to Hormuz Disruption

Uncertainty about how long the conflict with Iran may continue has shaken global oil markets. The disruption to shipping through the Strait of Hormuz has raised fears about supply shortages, pushing crude oil prices higher over the past two weeks.

On Sunday, the US benchmark West Texas Intermediate opened 2.5 percent higher at $100.22 per barrel. Meanwhile, the international oil benchmark Brent crude increased by 2.9 percent to reach $106.11 per barrel.

Rising Energy Concerns

The Strait of Hormuz is one of the most important oil transport routes in the world, carrying a large share of global crude shipments. Any disruption in the area can quickly affect global energy markets, making international cooperation crucial to restoring normal shipping activity.