Trump calls NATO cowards for not sending troops to help open Strait of Hormuz

President Trump criticized NATO allies as "cowards" for not contributing troops to efforts involving the Strait of Hormuz, while simultaneously signaling he may reduce U.S. military operations against Iran. Pentagon officials are simultaneously preparing contingency plans for potential ground force deployment into Iran, according to sources briefed on internal military preparations. The contradiction between Trump's public statements and behind-the-scenes military planning underscores tensions within the administration over Iran strategy and allied burden-sharing. Trump has previously pressed NATO members to increase defense spending and military commitments, framing allied reluctance as a key grievance. The situation reflects ongoing friction between the White House and the Pentagon over the scope and duration of U.S. military engagement in the Middle East.