Trump, a longtime NATO critic, said he sees the alliance as a "one way street — We will protect them, but they will do nothing for us."

European leaders are hesitant to help Trump secure the Strait of Hormuz, but they know inaction on the Iran war isn't really an option.

As EU foreign ministers weigh joining a U.S. coalition in the Persian Gulf, allies are demanding clarity on war aims, warning it's not NATO's fight.