'Never heard him so angry': US Senator says Trump furious over allies’ inaction in Strait of Hormuz

Lindsey Graham says he shares Trump’s anger as allies refuse to secure Strait of Hormuz

United States Senator Lindsey Graham said that US President Donald Trump has “never been so angry in my life,” adding that he shares that anger given what’s at stake. He made the remarks while criticizing European allies for their unwillingness to provide support to keep the Strait of Hormuz operational.

This comes after Trump said some countries "weren't enthusiastic enough" to act on his call for deploying warships to escort tankers through the closed off Strait of Hormuz as he asked.

He added that the “repercussions of providing minimal assistance to keep the Strait of Hormuz functioning will be wide-ranging and severe for both Europe and the United States.”

Just spoke to @POTUS about our European allies’ unwillingness to provide assets to keep the Strait of Hormuz functioning, which benefits Europe far more than America. I have never heard him so angry in my life. I share that anger given what’s at stake.

The arrogance of our… — Lindsey Graham (@LindseyGrahamSC) March 17, 2026

He also criticised the stance of US allies, saying the suggestion that “Iran with a nuclear weapon is of little concern and that military action to stop the ayatollah from acquiring a nuclear bomb is our problem, not theirs” was “beyond offensive,” arguing that such an attitude underestimates the shared risks posed by Iran’s nuclear ambitions and the broader regional conflict.

Questioning the reliability of US allies, Graham added, “I consider myself very forward-leaning on supporting alliances; however, at a time of real testing like this, it makes me second-guess the value of these alliances. I am certain I am not the only senator who feels this way.”

Germany, Spain and Italy were among allies that ruled out participating in any mission in the Gulf, at least for now. Other countries were more circumspect, with Britain and Denmark saying they would consider ways they might help, but emphasising a need to de-escalate and avoid getting dragged into the war.

(With agency inputs)