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Bureau: London
Donald Trump made the alliance break public on Friday, calling NATO allies 'cowards' for refusing to help secure the Strait of Hormuz. The insult matters because it turns a private burden-sharing dispute into a live test of coalition credibility.
CNBC's Europe coverage now describes a bond-market 'perfect storm' and a continent facing another gas shock as Gulf energy disruption collides with central-bank fear. Europe is better prepared than in 2022 in some ways, but politically less patient with being told to endure another round of disciplined sacrifice.
CNN reports that the administration bypassed Congress to speed billions in weapons sales to the UAE and Kuwait as Gulf partners absorb retaliation. The move underscores the central contradiction of the week: the coalition is strained, but the war keeps demanding deeper material commitments from it.