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Trump tells allies to find their own oil amid Strait of Hormuz tensions

1 April 202617 views0

Since late February, fighting has escalated following U.S.- and Israeli-led strikes on Iran, prompting a series of retaliatory actions from Tehran.

Iran has imposed a de facto blockade, restricting access to the Strait of Hormuz waterway, a narrow but critical shipping route through which roughly a fifth of the world’s oil supply typically passes. Attacks on vessels, warnings to shipping companies, and the introduction of a system requiring some ships to pay large fees to pass has disrupted energy supplies. Tanker traffic has fallen sharply and caused global oil prices to surge.

The United States has been involved in efforts to restore access to the route, while discussions continue among allies about how to respond militarily and diplomatically.

On Tuesday, Donald Trump publicly criticised allied countries that have not taken part in military action, including the United Kingdom.

In a post on Truth Social, he urged countries facing fuel shortages to either purchase energy from the U.S. or take action themselves to secure access through the Strait of Hormuz.

Referring specifically to the UK, Trump criticised its decision not to join strikes against Iran and suggested it should take greater responsibility for its own energy security. He also indicated that the U.S. may reconsider its support for allies that do not participate in such efforts, framing this as a shift in expectations around burden-sharing within international partnerships.

The U.S. president wrote: “All of those countries that can’t get jet fuel because of the Strait of Hormuz, like the United Kingdom, which refused to get involved in the decapitation of Iran, I have a suggestion for you: Number 1, buy from the U.S., we have plenty, and Number 2, build up some delayed courage, go to the Strait, and just TAKE IT.

“You’ll have to start learning how to fight for yourself, the U.S.A. won’t be there to help you anymore, just like you weren’t there for us. Iran has been, essentially, decimated. The hard part is done. Go get your own oil! President DJT”.

The comments come amid ongoing coordination between allied nations, including the UK, which has maintained a military presence in the region and continues to work with partners on securing maritime routes and supporting regional stability.

Britain is expected to deploy troops to the Middle East, bringing the UK’s military presence in the region to around 1,000. However, the UK’s response to the conflict has been heavily criticised by Trump, who has said Sir Keir is “no Winston Churchill” and called NATO allies as “cowards”.

Outlets on the left have generally characterised Trump’s comments as inflammatory and irresponsible, describing them as an “angry” outburst.

By contrast, right-leaning outlets have framed the same remarks as a demonstration of firm leadership. Their reporting presents Trump’s comments as a call for allies to take greater responsibility, using language focused on strength and security, encouraging other nations to act independently or reconsider reliance on the United States.

Unless otherwise linked, headlines are front pages on 01/04/2026.