Today in Focus Could Trump blow up Nato over Iran war? – The Latest
35 snips
Mar 16, 2026 
Hannah Ellis-Petersen, Guardian South Asia correspondent based in Dubai, gives on-the-ground analysis of the Gulf conflict. She explains calls for warship escorts through the Strait of Hormuz. She describes risks of drawing neutral navies into fighting and why major powers are reluctant. She reports on missile alerts, disrupted ports and the slim prospects for a military fix.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Trump Wants Allies To Escort Tankers Through Hormuz
- Donald Trump is demanding NATO and partners send warships into the Strait of Hormuz to escort oil and gas tankers under Iranian attack.
- Hannah Ellis-Petersen notes this would place allied navies directly in a very narrow, high-risk corridor where Iranian missiles, drones and mines are active.
Vague Threats Raise Uncertainty Over NATO's Future
- Trump has issued a blunt warning that NATO's future could be 'very bad' if allies refuse, but what he means by that is unclear and unpredictable.
- Hannah highlights Trump's past use of tariffs and threats as leverage, underscoring uncertainty about what would appease him.
Allies Reluctant To Put Navies On The Front Line
- European and Pacific allies have given muted responses, reluctant to send ships because doing so risks being seen as entering the war if vessels are struck.
- The UK is considering minesweeping drones but rules out sending ships to avoid escalation, per Hannah.