But his decision to ask for help from allies and other countries to resolve the crisis in the Strait of Hormuz is the latest evidence that calls that into question. In fact, Trump repeatedly said he didn’t need help from other countries — including very recently — and he’s spent years alienating allies. “And so, I told him we don’t want — Spain has absolutely nothing that we need,” Trump said. “That’s OK, Prime Minister (Keir) Starmer, we don’t need them any longer,” Trump posted on social media. At the very least, it would suggest Trump didn’t imagine himself in this position.

Source: CNN March 16, 2026 19:57 UTC