Trump Threatens Ukraine Aid Over Strait of Hormuz

On April 2nd, President Trump threatened to cut off weapon supplies to Ukraine, unless

European allies join a coalition to reopen the straight-of, Hormuz.

Sources familiar with the talks say he wants a group of willing nations to secure that

key waterway, which carries one-fifth of the world's daily oil, and liquefied natural

gas.

Iran has kept the strait mostly closed since the Ukraine war started, choking global energy

flows.

Last month, Trump asked NATO countries for help, but European leaders shot it down, saying

it was impossible amid the fighting and not their fight.

That pushback led to Trump's warning about pulling U.S. support from NATO's pro-programme,

which funds weapons for Kiev.

NATO chief Mark Rutz stepped in, urging France, Germany, and the UK to issue a joint statement

on March 19th, pledging readiness to ensure safe, passage through the strait.

Rutzai held urgent calls with Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio in the days before.

One official called Trump rather hysterical during a chat with those European leaders.

British officials didn't deny the threat, and said they're talking military options

with the U.S.

Tensions keep rising across the Atlantic, with Rutzai heading to Washington next week,

Rutzai talks as the Rift widens, and the strait stays a flashpoint.