Washington DC, April 17 -- US President Donald Trump has lashed out at NATO allies, labelling them a "paper tiger" following Tehran's announcement to restore access to the Strait of Hormuz for commercial maritime traffic.

The US President asserted that he was contacted by NATO member states offering assistance immediately after Iran declared the reopening of the strategic waterway. Trump noted that he advised the alliance to keep its distance unless their intention was to transport energy supplies.

"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 WITH OIL. They were useless when needed, a paper tiger!" Trum...