US President Donald Trump has urged nations struggling with fuel shortages caused by Iran’s effective blockade of the Strait of Hormuz to sail straight into the vital sea passage and simply take the oil they need.
The president made the call in a Truth Social post issued on Tuesday, coinciding with the average US retail petrol price climbing above $4 a gallon – the equivalent of $1 per litre – for the first time in more than three years.
In the same message, Trump sharply criticised American allies, including the United Kingdom, for refusing to join what he termed the “decapitation of Iran”.
He said: “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.”
Trump added that Iran had already been “essentially, decimated” and insisted the difficult work was complete.
“The hard part is done. Go get your own oil!” he wrote, repeating his long-stated preference that the world should simply take Iran’s oil rather than rely on strained global supplies.
The global energy market has been thrown into turmoil since Iran – a major oil producer – was struck by joint US and Israeli attacks last month.
Nearly two weeks ago, oil prices rocketed to $114 per barrel, the highest level since May 2022, following strikes on key energy facilities.
Those supply shocks have reverberated worldwide, compelling governments everywhere to impose tough energy-conservation measures as they grapple with the fallout.
Iran, a member of the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), holds the world’s third-largest proven crude oil reserves – about 208 million barrels as of 2024 – trailing only Venezuela and Saudi Arabia, according to the cartel’s own figures.
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