Trump launches tirade against Australia: 'Not great'
US President Donald Trump has blasted Australia for not supporting the Middle East war enough by knocking back requests to send vessels to help unblock the Strait of Hormuz.
This is despite Australia earlier this week signing a joint statement with more than 20 countries offering to contribute to efforts to protect the key waterway.
Trump blasted British PM Keir Starmer over his initial reluctance over letting the US use British bases in the war before turning on Australia.
'I was a little surprised by Australia. I wouldn’t say anybody was great other than the five countries in the Middle East. We never really had very much support,' Trump told a cabinet meeting at the White House.
He repeated what appeared to be a veiled threat, saying he would 'never forget,' which nations offered assistance and those that did not.
The latest attack comes a week after Trump slammed Australia and other American allies on social media for refusing to join his 'coalition' to reopen Strait of Hormuz.
Trump said he had been told America's allies 'don't want to get involved' in the Iran war, despite his appeals for help securing the Strait as oil prices spiral.
'We no longer 'need,' or desire, the NATO countries' assistance - WE NEVER DID,' the US President wrote on Truth Social on March 17.
'Likewise, Japan, Australia, or South Korea.
'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.'
