In recent comments, U.S. President Donald Trump has labeled NATO allies as cowards for complaining about high oil prices while refusing to assist in securing the Strait of Hormuz. Trump emphasized the strategic importance of this waterway, through which a significant amount of the world’s oil and natural gas is transported. He warned that without U.S. leadership, NATO risks becoming ineffective, describing it as a 'paper tiger' without American commitment.

Meanwhile, Iran has indicated intentions to charge fees for passage through the Strait of Hormuz, which further complicates maritime oil transport in the region. The Iranian military is reportedly developing a ship registration system to enhance safety for vessels navigating the strait amid geopolitical tensions. In response to rising oil prices, Serbia is cutting fuel taxes, reflecting how the global price surge is impacting countries worldwide, including Latvia, where the price of diesel has reached 2 euros per liter.

The ongoing conflict in the Middle East continues to disrupt shipping routes, leaving many ships and crew members stranded at sea, facing shortages of food and water. In response, the UN has proposed establishing a secure maritime route to assist these sailors. In a related effort, Ukraine is collaborating with other nations to combat Iranian drone technology, recognizing that stabilizing the situation is crucial for global oil and gas markets.