PANews reported on April 2nd that, according to the Financial Times, sources revealed that US President Trump threatened to halt arms supplies to Ukraine in an attempt to pressure European allies into joining a "voluntary coalition" to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Last month, Trump requested NATO naval assistance in reopening the narrow waterway, but this was rejected by several European capitals. The European side stated that this was an impossible task given the ongoing conflict. Several countries also pointed out that this "is not our war." Three officials familiar with the discussions said Trump's response was a threat to halt supplies to PURL, NATO's European-funded arms procurement mechanism aimed at aiding Ukraine. Therefore, at the urging of NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, a group of countries, including major NATO members such as France, Germany, and the UK, hastily reached a joint statement on March 19th. The statement said, "We express our willingness to make appropriate efforts to ensure the safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz." Trump told Reuters that he plans to announce in a speech to the American public on Wednesday evening local time (9 a.m. Thursday Beijing time) that he would "absolutely" consider withdrawing from NATO.