Trump berates allies as he finds himself alone on Iran war

Wednesday, 18 March 2026 10:53

For the last 80 years, every American military action has come with the backing of many of its allies - including Australia.

That includes expensive and bloody conflicts which lasted for years in Korea, Vietnam, Iraq and Afghanistan.

But as Donald Trump reaches out for military support for his war in Iran, he has found himself largely alone.

Donald Trump has sent mixed messages on whether he is being supported by allies over Iran.

Yesterday he was asked what countries were offering their support in order to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

"We have some that are really enthusiastic. They're coming already," Trump said.

"They've already started to."

And today, the president berated allies, including Australia, for not offering warships.

"Because of the fact that we have had such Military Success, we no longer 'need,' or desire, the NATO Countries' assistance — WE NEVER DID! Likewise, Japan, Australia, or South Korea," he wrote on Truth Social.

"In fact, speaking as President of the United States of America, by far the Most Powerful Country Anywhere in the World, WE DO NOT NEED THE HELP OF ANYONE!"

Speaking to the ABC this morning, Treasurer Jim Chalmers said the Australian government was not formally asked for support.

"There wasn't a formal request to send ships to the strait," he said.

"It's not something that we've been considering in the almost daily National Security Committee meetings that have been taking place over the course of the last couple of weeks."

Donald Trump has a history of chickening out of unpopular decisions.

A Thai cargo vessel on fire in the Straits of Hormuz.

Overnight Trump took a swipe at the president of Ireland after she said his war with Iran was "an attack on international law".

But Trump appeared unaware that Irish President Catherine Connolly was a woman.

"He's lucky I exist," Trump said of Connolly.

"If you're gonna allow countries that are sick and demented – and they are demented – to have nuclear weapons– everybody in the whole world should be very thankful."

He was sitting beside Irish Prime Minister Micheal Martin as he made his remarks.

So far, the only countries to have involved themselves in offensive operations against Iran are the US and Israel.

It now appears ships connected with countries friendlier to Iran are being cleared for safe exit from the Strait of Hormuz.

That includes several ships from India transporting oil and gas from the region.

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