There are numerous headlines like the one above out there Friday, so I won’t pick on one particular outlet. There are longer ones like “European Leaders Welcome Hormuz Reopening and Push for Permanent Navigation Security.”
Why did this make me chuckle? Because of course they’re pleased — and they had nothing to do with it.
But don’t worry, they’re going to have meetings about the situation very soon:
The leaders of France and the U.K. on Friday welcomed the announcement by Iran and the U.S. that the Strait of Hormuz is open, but said freedom of navigation must be permanently restored to the key oil route choked by the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran.
President Emmanuel Macron and Prime Minister Keir Starmer said they would keep planning an international mission to restore maritime security, which Starmer said will be deployed "as soon as conditions allow." They said military planners will meet in London next week.
I can barely contain my excitement. And Macron has “demands”:
Speaking after a gathering of some 50 countries and international organizations, Macron said "we all demand the full, immediate and unconditional reopening of the Strait of Hormuz by all parties."
I demand that France give me a million dollars, but unless I give them a compelling reason to do so, I’m guessing my ultimatum will be roundly ignored.
In what must have been a priceless moment, as they were talking away, the U.S. was acting:
As the meeting was underway, President Donald Trump and Iran's foreign minister declared the strait open to commercial vessels. Oil prices plunged after Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi posted on X that passage for commercial vessels would remain "completely open" for the duration of a 10-day ceasefire in Lebanon.
President Trump isn’t too impressed by the Euros' efforts in the conflict:
𝗗𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹𝗱 𝗝. 𝗧𝗿𝘂𝗺𝗽 𝗧𝗿𝘂𝘁𝗵 𝗦𝗼𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗣𝗼𝘀𝘁 𝟭𝟬:𝟭𝟯 𝗔𝗠 𝗘𝗦𝗧 𝟬𝟰.𝟭𝟳.𝟮𝟲
— Commentary Donald J. Trump Posts From Truth Social (@TrumpDailyPosts) April 17, 2026
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…
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! President DJT
FICKLE FRIENDS: Once Again, 'Special Relationship' Is Tested As Major Ally Snubs US Efforts in Strait of Hormuz
Trump and Rubio Confirm: NATO Is Cooked
It was not the only zinger the president had Friday for European countries that ditched us in our time of need:
His message to Spain and others was simple: “They were not there for us!”
As we’ve reported, the U.K. initially refused to let us use their bases in the early (crucial) days of Operation Epic Fury, Spain all but said “take a hike, America,” France has been its usually squishy and unreliable self, and no other NATO or European Union country has stepped up significantly to help us prevent the threat of a nuclear Iran.
We've been on our own:
"IRAN HAS JUST ANNOUNCED THAT THE STRAIT OF IRAN IS FULLY OPEN AND READY FOR FULL PASSAGE. THANK YOU!" - President Donald J. Trump 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/xDQpCj8APe
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) April 17, 2026
So yes, they’re all pleased now that U.S. power has forced the reopening of the strait, even if it’s only temporary, and they can go back to holding talks, setting up commissions, and relying on the U.S. to keep them safe.
Just don’t come asking for any favors.
Editor's Note: For decades, former presidents have been all talk and no action. Now, Donald Trump is eliminating the threat from Iran once and for all.
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