US President Donald Trump has sharply criticised NATO allies over their response to tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, calling the alliance ineffective during a critical period and asserting that it relied more on the United States than the other way around. His remarks came during an address at a Turning Point USA event in Arizona, where he reflected on recent developments in the strategically vital waterway.

Trump Questions NATO’s Role In Crisis Response

Trump revealed that NATO had reached out to the United States offering assistance after Iran announced the restoration of commercial access through the Strait of Hormuz. However, he dismissed the offer, stating that the alliance’s support had come too late to be of value.

“Now that the Strait of Hormuz situation is almost over, I received a call from NATO asking if we would like some help,” Trump said. “I told them I would have liked your help two months ago, but now I really don’t want your help anymore.”

He went further to argue that NATO’s involvement was not essential, claiming that the United States had managed the situation independently. “They were absolutely useless when we needed them. But actually, we never needed them. They needed us,” he added.

The US President also reiterated his criticism in a separate statement, describing NATO as a “paper tiger” and suggesting that its members only responded after the situation had already stabilised. His comments are likely to reignite longstanding debates over burden-sharing within the alliance and its operational effectiveness in crises beyond Europe.

Gulf Partners Credited As Shipping Resumes

In contrast to his criticism of NATO, Trump praised key Gulf nations for their role in easing tensions and facilitating stability in the region. He specifically thanked Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar for what he described as their “bravery and help” during the crisis.

The remarks come after Iran confirmed that commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz would remain fully open during the ongoing ceasefire period. The move is seen as crucial for stabilising global trade and energy markets, given the waterway’s importance as a transit route.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that the passage for all commercial vessels had been declared “completely open” in line with the ceasefire in Lebanon. He added that vessels would continue to move along coordinated routes established by Iran’s Ports and Maritime Organisation.

Trump also acknowledged the reopening, describing the strait as “fully open” and “ready for full passage”. However, he noted that a US naval blockade targeting Iran would remain in place until a final agreement between the two sides is reached.

Strategic Waterway Remains Geopolitical Flashpoint

The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world’s most critical energy chokepoints, handling nearly 20 per cent of global oil and liquefied natural gas trade. Any disruption in the region has immediate implications for global energy prices and supply chains.

Recent tensions in the Gulf, including military activity and threats to shipping routes, had raised concerns among major economies dependent on energy imports. The reopening of the strait is therefore being viewed as a significant step towards restoring stability.

Trump’s remarks, however, underscore continuing geopolitical friction and differing perspectives on international cooperation. While the immediate crisis may have eased, questions remain over the role of global alliances like NATO in addressing security challenges in regions such as West Asia.

As the situation evolves, the balance between unilateral action and multilateral coordination is likely to remain a central theme in global strategic discourse.

Long or Short, get news the way you like. No ads. No redirections. Download Newspin and Stay Alert, The CSR Journal Mobile app, for fast, crisp, clean updates!

App Store –  https://apps.apple.com/in/app/newspin/id6746449540 

Google Play Store – https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.inventifweb.newspin&pcampaignid=web_share