Trump slams NATO as ‘Paper Tiger’ over Strait of Hormuz reopening

Europe-Asia, International, Middle East, North America, Politics

INTERNATIONAL (NPA) — March 20, 2026 — U.S. President Donald Trump has sharply criticized NATO allies for refusing to join a U.S.-led coalition to secure the Strait of Hormuz, amid heightened tensions with Iran following joint military operations by the United States and Israel.

In a post on his Truth Social account Friday, Trump accused NATO of weakness, declaring: “Without the U.S.A., NATO is a paper tiger!” He argued that member states failed to act against what he described as the threat of a “nuclear-powered Iran.”

Trump noted that despite the U.S. claiming military success against Iran, NATO countries still refused to contribute to efforts to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. He accused them of hypocrisy, saying they complain about soaring oil prices caused by the blockade but “don’t want to help open the Strait,” which he described as a straightforward military maneuver with little risk.

The President went further, branding NATO members as “cowards” and warning that the United States would remember their inaction. His remarks underscore growing tensions between Washington and its allies over burden-sharing and collective security responsibilities.

The Strait of Hormuz, a critical global shipping lane, has been at the center of recent conflict, with disruptions driving up energy costs worldwide. Trump’s criticism reflects his longstanding frustration with NATO’s reliance on U.S. military power and his push for allies to take on greater responsibility in global security matters.