The president pressed allies to assume responsibility for enforcing access in the Strait of Hormuz, a key oil transit waterway that Iran has been controlling.
U.S. President Donald Trump on March 31 urged U.S. allies to secure their own energy access through the Strait of Hormuz, suggesting Washington may step back from direct involvement in reopening the critical shipping lane.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump said countries facing fuel shortages due to disruptions in Hormuz—singling out the United Kingdom—should “go to the Strait, and just TAKE IT,” adding that “the U.S.A. won’t be there to help you anymore.”
The remarks come amid ongoing tensions in the Gulf, as Iranian forces have responded to U.S.–Israeli military operations by restricting maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, a key artery for global oil and fuel shipments.
Since the start of the war in late February, Iran has restricted traffic through the narrow waterway, with some commercial vessels being attacked. Only about 150 vessels, including tankers and container ships, have transited since March 1, according to Lloyd’s List Intelligence shipping information firm.
Iranian officials have signaled their intent to continue controlling shipping through the strait even after the conflict ends.
Iran’s parliament recently approved a plan to collect tolls on vessels transiting the strait, according to state media, as the standoff continues.
Oil prices have surged as a result of the blockade, raising concerns about a global energy crisis and shortages of other key commodities, such as fertilizer, that also transit through the strait.
In his post on Truth Social, Trump described recent military pressure on Iran as largely successful, writing that the country had been essentially decimated and that “the hard part is done,” while urging allies to “start learning how to fight for yourself.”
He also told allies to look to U.S. energy exports as an alternative, telling affected nations to buy “from the U.S., we have plenty.”
Trump’s remarks dovetail with those of other administration officials, who have pointed to a narrower set of primary U.S. military objectives and to the involvement of a wider coalition of allies in the broader mission of freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.
