U.S. President Donald Trump has labeled NATO allies as "cowards" for their perceived lack of support in the ongoing U.S.-Israel war against Iran, criticizing their reluctance to help secure the vital Strait of Hormuz.

• President Trump declared NATO a "paper tiger" without U.S. involvement.
• The conflict, which began on February 28, has led to thousands of deaths and millions displaced.
• While some NATO members pledged efforts to ensure safe passage through the Strait, leaders like Germany's Friedrich Merz and France's Emmanuel Macron indicated this was contingent on combat ending.