DONALD TRUMP criticises NATO after Strait of Hormuz reopens says they were “useless when needed”

Saturday, April 18, 2026 - US President Donald Trump has again criticised NATO allies while claiming that Iran will not shut the Strait of Hormuz again, as tensions continue to ease following a temporary ceasefire.

In a series of remarks, Trump said he had warned allied nations to stay out of the situation, accusing them of failing to act when needed.

“I told them to stay away, unless they just want to load up their ships with oil,” he said, adding that they were “useless when needed” and describing the alliance as a “paper tiger.” His comments come after Iran signalled that the Strait of Hormuz is now open to commercial shipping for the duration of the ceasefire, easing fears over global oil supply disruptions.

Iran’s foreign minister, Abbas Aragchi, said the waterway would allow “all commercial vessels” to pass through, provided they follow designated routes. However, Iranian authorities indicated that military vessels would not be permitted.

Despite the reopening, Trump confirmed that a US naval blockade targeting Iranian-linked shipping would remain in place. “The blockade will remain in full force as it pertains to Iran until our transaction is 100% complete,” he said, referring to ongoing negotiations aimed at securing a longer-term peace agreement.

The blockade applies to Iranian ships, vessels that have visited Iranian ports, and those carrying sanctioned oil, while non-Iranian commercial traffic is expected to resume cautiously.

Trump also claimed that Iran, with assistance from the United States, is in the process of removing sea mines from the waterway, a key step in restoring safe navigation. He further described the reopening as a major breakthrough, calling it “a great and brilliant day for the world” and asserting that Iran had agreed not to use the strait as leverage again.

Meanwhile, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron have discussed plans for a joint defensive mission to help secure safe passage through the strait, including potential mine-clearing operations.

Although the reopening has boosted optimism, shipping companies remain cautious about resuming routes through the area after weeks of conflict and disruption. Trump suggested that a broader peace deal between the US and Iran could be reached soon, stating that “most of the points are already negotiated” and that talks were progressing quickly.

The Strait of Hormuz, a critical global oil route, has been at the centre of the recent conflict, with its closure and reopening having significant impacts on global energy markets and international trade.