First Thing: Trump steps up pressure on European allies to help protect strait of Hormuz

<p>US president says it is ‘only appropriate’ for Europe to help, and warns failure to do so would be ‘very bad’ for Nato. Plus, meet the Americans withholding their federal income tax</p><p>Good morning.</p><p>Donald Trump has ratcheted up the pressure on European allies to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/mar/16/strait-of-hormuz-australia-japan-no-ships">help protect the strait of Hormuz</a>, warning that Nato faces a “very bad” future if its members fail to come to Washington’s aid.</p><p><strong>What did Trump say?</strong> The US president told the Financial Times in an interview: “It’s only appropriate that people who are the beneficiaries of the strait will help to make sure that nothing bad happens there. If there’s no response or if it’s a negative response, I think it will be very bad for the future of Nato.”</p><p><strong>Who else won?</strong> Here’s <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/film/2026/mar/15/oscars-2026-academy-awards-winners-full-list-live">all the winners</a> at the 98th Academy Awards.</p><p><strong>Who was remembered this year?</strong> This year’s Academy Awards featured an extended in memoriam section to honour the considerable number of Hollywood legends who have died over the past year. Diane Keaton, Robert Redford and Rob Reiner were remembered in standalone speeches, while Claudia Cardinale and Catherine O’Hara also had extended moments. <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/film/2026/mar/15/oscars-2026-actors-snubbed-in-memoriam-tribute">James Van Der Beek and Brigitte Bardot</a> were among stars who were snubbed from the tribute.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/mar/16/first-thing-trump-pressure-on-european-allies-strait-of-hormuz">Continue reading...</a>

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