Trump: Help, the Iran War Is Going Great

Mother Jones
by Alex Nguyen
March 16, 2026
2 views
2 min read

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The Bottom Line

Trump asked allies to help reopen the Strait of Hormuz while defending his Iran war.

How This Affects You

Gas prices may rise as 20% of global oil flows through the disputed waterway.

AI Summary

President Trump defended his military campaign in Iran at a Monday press conference while simultaneously requesting allied assistance to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a critical shipping lane where 20 percent of global oil and natural gas flows. Despite claiming U.S. forces had destroyed all of Iran's mine-laying ships, Trump acknowledged "it only takes one" and called for international partners to help monitor the waterway. Many NATO countries have refused Trump's requests for naval and military support, with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz's spokesperson stating "this war has nothing to do with NATO." The three-week military campaign has killed over 1,000 people in Iran and cost tens of billions of dollars, with Trump warning allies of a "very bad" future if they don't provide assistance. The White House has not articulated clear goals or an exit strategy for the ongoing conflict.

What's Being Done

NATO countries have refused Trump's requests for naval and military support.

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