Bloomberg News Now March 18, 2026: Trump Scolds NATO Allies, Iran Security Chief Killed, More
Mar 18, 2026
Sharp criticism of NATO and talk of U.S. withdrawal from the conflict. Easing of Venezuela oil sanctions to boost crude output. Strikes in Israel, and news of Iran’s security chief killed. Navy carrier withdraws after onboard fire and crew injuries. Pentagon considers mass-producing a one-way kamikaze drone. Oil prices climb amid Middle East tensions.
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Trump Questions NATO Reliability After Strait Of Hormuz Standoff
- President Trump publicly criticized NATO allies for refusing involvement in the Strait of Hormuz crisis and questioned their reliability.
- He framed the episode as a test where the U.S. didn't need NATO but said allies should have supported action, implying future reduced U.S. dependence.
U.S. Plans Sanctions Relief To Increase Venezuelan Oil Output
- The U.S. plans to ease sanctions on Venezuela's oil sector to boost crude output amid rising oil prices.
- Measures include issuing more individual licenses allowing foreign companies to operate in Venezuela without breaching U.S. sanctions, possibly announced this week.
Iran Missile Barrage Kills Civilians As Iran Security Chief Dies
- Iran-launched missiles killed two people near Tel Aviv and Israel said it struck and killed two senior Iranian security officials including Ali Larajani.
- Iranian state media confirmed Larajani's death while the USS Gerald R. Ford left the area after a shipboard fire sent it to Crete.