‘Never seen him so angry’: Lindsey Graham says Trump furious as Europe snubs US on Strait of Hormuz

In the post, Graham criticised allies for failing to step up, arguing that the functioning of the Strait of Hormuz benefits Europe far more than the US.

Published on: Mar 17, 2026, 22:14:32 IST

Written by Shivya Kanojia

Prefer HTon Google

Share via

Copy link

US President Donald Trump is growing increasingly frustrated with European allies over their reluctance to support American efforts in the Iran conflict, United States Senator Lindsey Graham, one of his closest allies said on Tuesday.

Graham's remarks point to a widening rift between Washington and its European partners. (AFP)

Graham posted on X that, after a recent conversation with Trump, he had “never seen him so angry,” highlighting Europe’s unwillingness to contribute resources to keep the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz operational, despite its importance to global energy flows. Follow LIVE updates here

The remarks point to a widening rift between Washington and its European partners. In the post, Graham criticised allies for failing to step up, arguing that the functioning of the Strait of Hormuz benefits Europe far more than the United States. "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," he said.

Also read| Trump says 'no need for NATO help' amid war with Iran after allies push back

He also accused European nations of downplaying the threat posed by Iran’s nuclear ambitions, calling their approach ineffective. "The European approach to containing the ayatollah’s nuclear ambitions have proven to be a miserable failure," Graham said.

Warning of broader consequences, Graham said limited cooperation could have serious implications for both Europe and the United States. He also raised concerns about the future of transatlantic ties, adding, "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."

Iran on Strait of Hormuz

Speaking of the Strait, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said: “From our perspective, it is open” — just not for the United States, Israel and its allies. On social media, Araghchi also rejected as “delusional” claims that Iran was looking for a negotiated end to the war, saying it was seeking neither “truce nor talks.”

Since the United States and Israel attacked Iran more than two weeks ago, Tehran has regularly fired drones and missiles at Israel, American bases in the region and Gulf Arab countries’ energy infrastructure.

Strikes continued early Tuesday, with the Israeli military reporting a salvo of Iranian missiles. Sires sounded just south of the Sea of Galilee. No injuries were reported.

US-Iran war

A wave of drone and rocket attacks targeted the US embassy in Baghdad on Tuesday, with a Reuters report describing it as the most intense assault since the attacks began, with at least five drones used.

This comes after the war in the Middle East raged on multiple fronts Monday, as the US and Israel pummeled military targets in Iran’s capital, Israel stepped up its campaign against Iran-backed militants in Lebanon, and Iran retaliated with a drone strike that temporarily closed Dubai’s airport, a crucial hub for travellers.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Shivya Kanojia
Shivya Kanojia is a journalist at Hindustan Times, where she works in the fast-paced digital news ecosystem with a strong sense of editorial judgement and a clear understanding of what makes a story both important and traffic-driven. An alumna of the Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC), Shivya brings a thoughtful balance of news value and audience relevance to her work, ensuring stories resonate beyond the immediate headline. Over the course of her three-year journey in the digital news space, Shivya has worked across a wide range of beats, including politics, civic issues, human-interest features and trending news. This diverse exposure has shaped her ability to approach stories with nuance, adaptability and context, whether she is breaking down complex developments or spotlighting everyday narratives that often go unnoticed. She is particularly drawn to human-interest stories, interviews and explainers that offer depth and clarity, aiming to move past surface-level reporting to explore the people, emotions and circumstances behind the news. Prior to joining Hindustan Times, Shivya worked with Firstpost and Times Now, where she covered a broad spectrum of topics and honed her skills in digital journalism . Outside the newsroom, Shivya enjoys discovering new cafés, drawn to good coffee, cosy spaces and unhurried conversations. Shopping is another pastime she cherishes, not always out of necessity, but often guided by instinct and the simple joy of stumbling upon unexpected finds. Above all, she treasures time spent with loved ones, finding meaning in shared laughter, simple moments and memories that linger long after.Read More

Get the latest World News, breaking headlines and global updates from the US, UK, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Russia and other countries. Follow major international events on Hindustan Times.