Story perspectives

Trump Calls NATO "Useless" Amid Strait of Hormuz Mission

4/18/2026

Summary

Story summary

Donald Trump labeled NATO as "useless" and a "paper tiger" following the UK and France's announcement of a multinational mission to protect shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.
This mission comes after Iran agreed to reopen the strait, which had been closed since February due to a US-Israeli bombing campaign.
Trump stated the waterway is now "fully open" and expressed gratitude to Iran for its cooperation.
Sir Keir Starmer and Emmanuel Macron highlighted the mission's defensive purpose.
The announcement resulted in falling oil prices and rising global stock markets, despite ongoing tensions and a US blockade of Iranian ports.

History

Historical Context

In 2019, tensions within NATO escalated as President Donald Trump labeled the alliance "useless," reflecting a growing rift among member states. Concurrently, the UK and France launched a multinational mission to secure the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial passage for global oil trade, following Iran's reopening of the strait after U.S.-Israeli strikes. These geopolitical shifts continue to impact oil prices and regional stability.

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Story summary

Donald Trump labeled NATO as "useless" and a "paper tiger" following the UK and France's announcement of a multinational mission to protect shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.
This mission comes after Iran agreed to reopen the strait, which had been closed since February due to a US-Israeli bombing campaign.
Trump stated the waterway is now "fully open" and expressed gratitude to Iran for its cooperation.
Sir Keir Starmer and Emmanuel Macron highlighted the mission's defensive purpose.
The announcement resulted in falling oil prices and rising global stock markets, despite ongoing tensions and a US blockade of Iranian ports.

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