Source NDTV
WASHINGTON D.C. — In a stinging rebuke of traditional alliances, President Donald Trump has told the United Kingdom and other nations to stop relying on the U.S. military to secure their energy interests in the Middle East.
In a series of blunt social media posts on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, the President suggested that countries facing fuel shortages due to the ongoing maritime deadlock in the Strait of Hormuz should either buy American oil or “build up some delayed courage” and secure the waterway themselves.
“The Hard Part is Done”
The President’s comments come amid a month-long conflict that has seen Iran effectively throttle tanker traffic through the world’s most critical energy chokepoint. While the U.S. has conducted extensive strikes against Iranian infrastructure—which the President claims has “decimated” the regime—he signaled an unwillingness to continue “doing the heavy lifting” for allies who did not participate in the military campaign.
“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,” Trump wrote. “Number 1, buy from the U.S., we have plenty, and Number 2… go to the Strait, and just TAKE IT.”
The President added a sharp warning regarding the future of U.S. security guarantees: “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. Go get your own oil!”
Strained Ties with the UK and France
The remarks specifically targeted the United Kingdom, which has notably refrained from joining the U.S.-led offensive operations, though it has maintained a defensive presence in the region. The President also criticized France, labeling the country “very unhelpful” for its refusal to grant overflight rights to aircraft carrying military supplies.
U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth echoed this sentiment during a Pentagon briefing, questioning why the “big, bad Royal Navy” was not taking a more aggressive lead in reopening the international waterway.
Global Energy Fallout
The Strait of Hormuz, through which nearly 20% of the world’s oil flows, remains the center of a global economic storm.
Oil Prices: Brent crude has surged to approximately $106 per barrel, a 45% increase since the start of the conflict on February 28.
UK Impact: Reports indicate the UK is set to receive its last scheduled shipment of West Asian jet fuel this week, with analysts predicting severe rationing for airlines by late April.
Despite the President’s claim that Iran has been “decimated,” the situation on the water remains volatile. A Kuwaiti oil tanker was recently attacked off the coast of Dubai, underscoring the persistent risks to commercial shipping.
As the White House signals it may conclude its military campaign even if the Strait remains blocked, the pressure now shifts to European and Asian capitals to decide whether to follow Trump’s advice and “take” the fuel they need by force or turn toward the United States as their primary energy supplier.
