Trump mocks UK: ‘Build courage and just take Oil from Strait of Hormuz’

By Kazeem Ugbodaga

President Donald Trump urged countries struggling with disrupted oil and jet fuel supplies due to restrictions in the Strait of Hormuz to stop relying on the United States and secure their own energy needs, either by purchasing American oil or by taking direct action to reopen the vital waterway.

He spoke on Truth Social on Tuesday.

The post specifically singled out the United Kingdom and other nations that, according to Trump, “refused to get involved in the decapitation of Iran” during U.S.-led military operations against the Islamic Republic.

“All of those countries that can’t get jet fuel because of the Strait of Hormuz, like the United Kingdom, 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,” Trump wrote.

He continued: “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!”

The remarks come amid an ongoing conflict between the United States and Israel against Iran that has severely disrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a narrow chokepoint between the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman through which roughly one-fifth of global oil supplies normally pass.

Iran has maintained significant influence over the waterway, with reports of attacks on commercial vessels, mine-laying, and selective permissions or “tolls” for tankers, leading to sharp declines in transit volumes and soaring energy prices worldwide.

U.S. strikes have reportedly degraded much of Iran’s military infrastructure, including its navy and air defenses, aligning with Trump’s assertion that the country has been “essentially decimated.”

However, Tehran continues to exert de facto control over parts of the strait, complicating efforts to restore full commercial traffic.

Shipping giants like Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd have suspended operations in the area, forcing reroutes around Africa and contributing to supply shortages, particularly of jet fuel critical for aviation.

European nations, including the UK, France, Germany, Italy, and the Netherlands, along with Japan, issued a joint statement earlier in March expressing readiness to support efforts to ensure safe passage but stopped short of committing military forces.

Trump has long criticized allies for insufficient burden-sharing in global security matters, and his latest comments appear to escalate that frustration into a direct challenge.

The post drew swift attention in diplomatic circles and financial markets. U.S. stock futures rose modestly Tuesday, partly on indications that the administration may be open to winding down the conflict even without a full reopening of the strait

. However, energy analysts warn that prolonged disruptions could sustain high oil prices and inflation pressures globally.