Ahmed Kamel – Egypt Daily News
U.S. President Donald Trump launched a sharp attack on NATO after the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, dismissing the alliance as “useless” and telling it to “stay away” from the crisis.
The comments came just minutes after global oil markets reacted to Iran’s announcement that the strategic waterway responsible for roughly 20% of the world’s oil shipments, had fully reopened to commercial traffic.
Trump: ‘Stay Away’
In a series of posts, Trump said NATO had reached out offering assistance following weeks of escalating tensions in the Gulf. His response was blunt.
“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.”
The remarks are likely to deepen concerns among Western allies about the future of U.S. commitment to NATO, especially after the alliance declined to support Washington’s recent naval blockade in the region.
Oil Prices Plunge After Reopening
The reopening announcement, delivered by Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, triggered an immediate market reaction.
Crude prices dropped nearly 10% within minutes, falling to around $82 per barrel as traders priced in the return of stable supply flows through the strait.
Araghchi said “all commercial vessels” are now permitted to transit the waterway under a coordinated route, following a ceasefire linked to regional tensions involving Hezbollah.
U.S. Blockade Still in Force
Despite the reopening, Trump made clear that U.S. military pressure on Iran is far from over.
He confirmed that the American naval blockade would remain in place but targeted specifically at Iranian assets, until a broader agreement is reached.
“The Strait is open and ready for business, but the blockade will remain in full force as it pertains to Iran… until our transaction is 100% complete.”
The blockade was imposed after Iran effectively shut down the passage using mines, drones, and fast-attack boats during the height of the conflict.
Ceasefire and Fragile Diplomacy
The reopening follows a 10-day ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon, announced after a call between Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu.
The truce has temporarily reduced hostilities involving Hezbollah, a key Iranian ally, and opened the door for renewed diplomacy between Washington and Tehran.
Talks are expected to resume in Islamabad, with negotiators attempting to bridge major differences over Iran’s nuclear program.
Dispute Over Uranium Deal
At the center of negotiations is Iran’s stockpile of enriched uranium. U.S. officials are reportedly considering a proposal involving the release of up to $20 billion in frozen Iranian funds in exchange for Tehran relinquishing its nuclear material.
Trump, however, publicly rejected the idea.
“No money will exchange hands in any way, shape, or form.”
Iran has yet to confirm whether it is willing to surrender its stockpile, including an estimated 450 kilograms of uranium enriched to 60%.
Regional Stakes Remain High
While the ceasefire has brought temporary relief, the broader situation remains fragile.
Israel has indicated it will maintain a military presence in southern Lebanon, while Hezbollah’s long-term position on the truce remains unclear. Meanwhile, Iran continues to push for greater control over the Strait of Hormuz, including potential taxation of foreign tankers.
Trump signaled he may extend the ceasefire beyond its current deadline if negotiations show progress, expressing confidence that a wider deal could be within reach.
Still, his escalating rhetoric toward NATO underscores a parallel geopolitical shift—one that could reshape alliances even as tensions in the Middle East begin to ease.
