Trending Now - Trump Criticizes Nato's Inaction as Forces Prepare for Hormuz Shift
WHO:
Sophie Huynh, portfolio manager and strategist at BNP Paribas Asset Management
Representative Eric Swalwell (D-CA)
Joe Kent, former director of the National Counterterrorism Center
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas
French President Emmanuel Macron
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer
Irish President Catherine Connolly
President Donald J. Trump
Sophie Huynh, portfolio manager and strategist at BNP Paribas Asset Management
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu
Representative Eric Swalwell (D-CA)
House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA)
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas
French President Emmanuel Macron
Joe Kent, former director of the National Counterterrorism Center
U.S. Central Command
WHAT:
Sophie Huynh warned that the longer the Strait of Hormuz remains closed, "the more likely we could have an energy shock."
Oil prices are now selling at more than $100 a barrel, up from about $70 a barrel before the U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran.
The U.S. military announced it had fired multiple 5,000-pound deep penetrator bombs on hardened Iranian missile sites along Iran’s coastline near the strait.
Traffic through the Strait of Hormuz has been reduced by approximately 90 percent due to Iranian threats to naval and commercial shipping.
Trump stated, “You would have thought they would have said, ‘We’d love to send a couple of minesweepers.’ That’s not a big deal.”
Trump expressed disappointment in British Prime Minister Keir Starmer for initially blocking American planes from using British bases for attacks on Iran.
Trump demanded assistance from other countries to reopen the Strait of Hormuz for tanker traffic.
Oil prices rose to over $100 a barrel, up from about $70 a barrel since February 28, 2026.
Gas prices increased by at least $0.70 a gallon since the U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran.
Israel's operations in Lebanon have resulted in over 850 deaths and displaced at least 800,000 people.
The U.S. military fired multiple 5,000-pound deep penetrator bombs on Iranian missile sites.
Trump stated, “We don’t need any help, actually,” regarding military assistance.
Trump claimed that “numerous countries” are on their way to help transit the strait.
Trump threatened to leave NATO over allies’ unwillingness to assist in the conflict.
WHERE:
Strait of Hormuz
Washington, D.C.
Bahrain
Europe
Strait of Hormuz
Washington, D.C.
Lebanon
Bahrain
Europe and Asia (general references)
WHEN:
The conflict is now in its third week as of March 18, 2026.
A cable was sent to all U.S. diplomatic missions on March 16, 2026.
The conflict began on February 28, 2026.
Trump made statements on March 17, 2026.
The U.S. military operations occurred on March 17, 2026.
The last of the U.S. minesweeper ships were decommissioned in September 2025.
WHY:
Kaja Kallas stated, “This is not Europe’s war. We didn’t start the war. We were not consulted.”
Trump claimed that NATO allies have counted on U.S. support for Ukraine but could not reciprocate during the current conflict.
Trump claims the war is for the good of the world and to prevent Iran from securing a nuclear weapon.
The conflict was initiated based on Trump’s “feeling” about the threat posed by Iran.
Allies declined to assist due to the perception that Trump launched the war without consultation.
HOW:
The U.S. military has targeted military facilities on Kharg Island, through which 90 percent of Iran’s oil exports transit.
Trump has been pressing allies for military support to secure the Strait of Hormuz.
The U.S. military is conducting airstrikes on Iranian missile sites.
The State Department has reached out to countries to designate the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and Hezbollah as terrorist organizations.
(UPDATED March 18, 2026 23:11 UTC)
In a significant development, Sophie Huynh from BNP Paribas Asset Management warned that the longer the Strait of Hormuz remains closed, the more likely we could face an energy shock, as oil prices have surged to over $100 a barrel following recent U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran. Meanwhile, President Trump expressed disappointment in British Prime Minister Keir Starmer for blocking American planes from using British bases for attacks on Iran, stating that NATO allies have relied on U.S. support but have not reciprocated during this ongoing conflict. As the situation enters its third week, traffic through the Strait has plummeted by about 90 percent due to Iranian threats, prompting the U.S. military to target key missile sites along Iran’s coastline.
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(UPDATED March 18, 2026 11:16 UTC)
President Trump has called for international assistance to reopen the Strait of Hormuz for tanker traffic, as oil prices have surged to over $100 a barrel since the conflict began on February 28. Following U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran, gas prices have risen significantly, and Israel's operations in Lebanon have led to over 850 deaths and the displacement of 800,000 people. In a recent statement, Trump asserted that “numerous countries” are on their way to help, while also threatening to leave NATO due to allies’ reluctance to support the military efforts.