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Trump Slams ‘Useless’ NATO After Strait of Hormuz Reopening

Trump Slams ‘Useless’ NATO After Strait of Hormuz Reopening/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Trump criticizes NATO while praising Middle East allies. Strait of Hormuz reopening drives oil prices sharply lower. U.S. maintains blockade on Iran despite improved shipping access.

Flags flap in the wind outside NATO headquarters in Brussels, Monday, Jan. 19, 2026. (AP Photo/Virginia Mayo)

Trump NATO Strait Hormuz Reaction Quick Looks

  • Trump calls NATO “useless” after reopening
  • Strait of Hormuz declared fully open for shipping
  • U.S. blockade on Iran remains in place
  • Oil prices drop more than 10% globally
  • Trump praises Pakistan and Gulf allies
  • Iran reportedly removing sea mines
  • Israel-Lebanon ceasefire continues amid tensions

Deep Look

Trump Criticizes NATO After Strait Reopens

President Donald Trump sharply criticized NATO following the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, questioning the alliance’s effectiveness during the recent crisis.

“Now that the Hormuz Strait situation is over, I received a call from NATO asking if we would need some help. I TOLD THEM TO STAY AWAY, UNLESS THEY JUST WANT TO LOAD UP THEIR SHIPS WITH OIL. They were useless when needed, a Paper Tiger!” Trump wrote on Truth Social.

At the same time, Trump reaffirmed that while the waterway is open, U.S. pressure on Iran remains.

“the Strait of Hormuz is completely open and ready for business and full passage, but the naval blockade will remain in full force and effect as it pertains to Iran, only, until such time as our transaction with Iran is 100% complete.”


Trump Declares Halt to Israeli Strikes in Lebanon

Amid a fragile ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon, Trump signaled a strong stance against continued military action.

“Israel will not be bombing Lebanon any longer.”

He further emphasized U.S. involvement in stabilizing the situation.

“the USA will, separately, work with Lebanon, and deal with the Hezbollah situation in an appropriate manner.”

“Israel will not be bombing Lebanon any longer,” Trump added. “They are PROHIBITED from doing so by the U.S.A. Enough is enough!!!”

Despite these remarks, Israeli officials indicated that military operations against Hezbollah may not be fully concluded.


Praise for Middle East Allies

Trump also used the moment to thank regional allies for their roles in easing tensions and supporting diplomatic efforts.

“Thank you to Pakistan and its Great Prime Minister and Field Marshall, two fantastic people!!!”

“Thank you to Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Qatar for your great bravery and help!”

Pakistan has been instrumental in mediating talks between U.S. and Iranian officials, hosting negotiations in Islamabad with support from other regional players.


Iran’s Role and Strait of Hormuz Developments

Trump claimed that Iran has made a significant commitment regarding the strategic waterway.

“has agreed to never close the Strait of Hormuz again.”

“It will no longer be used as a weapon against the World!”

He also stressed broader optimism about global developments.

“great and brilliant day for the world.”

Additionally, Trump highlighted ongoing efforts to secure the region.

“Iran, with the help of the U.S.A., has removed, or is removing, all sea mines!”


Nuclear Program and U.S. Demands

Trump reiterated U.S. expectations regarding Iran’s nuclear capabilities, referencing past military operations.

“The U.S.A. will get all Nuclear ‘Dust,’ created by our great B2 Bombers — No money will exchange hands in any way, shape, or form,”

This comment relates to enriched uranium believed to be stored at Iranian nuclear facilities targeted during earlier U.S. strikes.


Oil Prices Drop Following Reopening

Global oil markets reacted quickly to the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, with prices dropping sharply after weeks of volatility.

Trump reiterated the status of the waterway in another statement:

“COMPLETELY OPEN AND READY FOR BUSINESS AND FULL PASSAGE, BUT THE NAVAL BLOCKADE WILL REMAIN IN FULL FORCE AND EFFECT AS IT PERTAINS TO IRAN, ONLY, UNTIL SUCH TIME AS OUR TRANSACTION WITH IRAN IS 100% COMPLETE.”

Crude prices, which had surged above $100 per barrel during the conflict, fell by more than 10% as supply concerns eased.


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