Donald Trump slams Australia, NATO, South Korea and Japan over lack of support on Iran
US President Donald Trump has held an explosive news conference and complained about the lack of support from Australia and other Pacific allies in the Iran war.
US President Donald Trump has criticised NATO, Australia, Japan and South Korea for not helping the United States with its war with Iran.
Trump again lamented NATO allies’ refusal to get involved in reopening the Strait of Hormuz and their hesitance to assist US offensive operations against Iran.
But as he wrapped up his lengthy news conference on Monday, he also fumed about the lack of support from Pacific allies.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.“You know who else didn’t help us? South Korea didn’t help us,” Trump said.
“You know who else didn’t help us? Australia didn’t help us,” he added.
“You know who else didn’t help us? Japan. We’ve got 50,000 soldiers in Japan to protect them from North Korea.
“We have 45,000 soldiers in South Korea to protect us from Kim Jong-un, who I get along with very well.”
Mr Trump also threatened to take out all of Iran’s power plants and bridges if they do not update their proposal to end the war.
“They made a proposal, and it’s a significant proposal. It’s a significant step. It’s not good enough,” Mr Trump told reporters during an Easter egg event for children on the White House lawn.
“It could end very quickly, the war, if they do what they have to do. They have to do certain things. They know that, they’ve been negotiating I think in good faith,” he said.
Mr Trump later said he thought the Iranian people should rise up against the government in the country if a ceasefire were declared but understood that it was too dangerous for them to do so.
“Well they should do it but, again, the consequences are great,” Mr Trump said during a White House news conference.
“I mean, they were told, ‘If you protest, you will be shot immediately.’”
Mr Trump, who has threatened to bomb Iran’s power plants and bridges, also said he believed Iranians “would be willing to suffer that in order to have freedom”.
Mr Trump warned that Iran could be “taken out in one night,” as his deadline - 8pm EDT on Tuesday (10am AEST on Wednesday) - for the country to reopen the Strait of Hormuz approached.
“The entire country can be taken out in one night, and that night might be tomorrow night,” Mr Trump said.
