Scaramucci Warns Trump's Hormuz Plan Risks World War III

Former White House official says Trump's push for European allies to join naval mission in Strait of Hormuz could escalate global tensions.

Apr. 6, 2026 at 4:33am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Former White House Communications Director Anthony Scaramucci warned that President Donald Trump's push to involve European allies in the Strait of Hormuz could unintentionally escalate into a global conflict. Scaramucci criticized Trump for alienating NATO partners over the years and now asking them to participate in a high-stakes naval operation, questioning the strategic value of European involvement and citing skepticism from European leaders.

Why it matters

The Strait of Hormuz is a critical global chokepoint for oil shipments, and tensions in the region have been high. Trump's demands for European involvement raise the stakes and could draw in other major powers like China and Russia, potentially triggering a wider conflict that Scaramucci warns could become 'World War III'.

The details

Scaramucci pointed to comments from Germany's Defense Minister Boris Pistorius and U.K. opposition leader Keir Starmer, who emphasized that the operation was never intended as a NATO mission. He argued European caution was justified, painting a stark scenario where escalation in the region could draw in China and Russia, turning a localized conflict into 'something that nobody alive has ever seen before. World War III.'

  • On Sunday, Scaramucci posted his warning on X (formerly Twitter).
  • Last month, Trump jokingly called the Strait of Hormuz the 'Strait of Trump' during a Miami event.

The players

Anthony Scaramucci

Former White House Communications Director who warned that Trump's Strait of Hormuz plan risks World War III.

Donald Trump

The President of the United States who is pushing for European involvement in the Strait of Hormuz.

Boris Pistorius

Germany's Defense Minister who expressed skepticism about European involvement in the Strait of Hormuz operation.

Keir Starmer

U.K. opposition leader who emphasized that the Strait of Hormuz operation was never intended as a NATO mission.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Trump has spent years ridiculing our allies… and now he wants those same people to send their frigates into the Strait of Hormuz alongside us.”

— Anthony Scaramucci, Former White House Communications Director

“What does Trump expect a handful of European frigates to do in the Strait of Hormuz that the most powerful Navy in the history of the world cannot do on its own? Answer that question. I'll wait.”

— Anthony Scaramucci, Former White House Communications Director

What’s next

The White House did not immediately respond to Benzinga's request for comments on Scaramucci's warnings.

The takeaway

Scaramucci's warnings highlight the delicate geopolitical situation in the Strait of Hormuz and the risks of escalating tensions through unilateral actions. His concerns about the potential for a wider global conflict underscore the need for careful diplomacy and coordination among allies to address the complex security challenges in the region.