Washington, DC – US President Donald Trump delivered a stark message to countries facing fuel shortages due to tensions in the Strait of Hormuz. In remarks that sparked widespread controversy, Trump urged these nations to stop relying on Washington to secure global energy routes. In a direct address, Trump stated, “To all the countries that are unable to secure jet fuel because of the Strait of Hormuz crisis, such as the United Kingdom, which has distanced itself from participating in weakening Iran, I have two proposals for you: First, buy fuel from the United States. We have a large surplus. Second, have the courage you’ve been putting off and go into the Strait yourselves to secure your own shipments.”
The US president added, in a warning tone: “You will have to start learning how to defend yourselves. The United States will no longer be there to help you, just as you failed to help yourselves in the past.” Trump continued, asserting that military operations had reached their peak, saying: “Iran has been almost completely destroyed, and the hardest part of the battle is over. Now go get your oil out of there.”
These statements come at a time of instability in global energy markets due to geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.
Analysts see Trump’s call as a break with traditional US military doctrine. The United States has long been committed to protecting international shipping lanes. Instead of playing the role of “global policeman” in the Gulf, Trump is presenting his allies with a new reality. This reality requires them to assume their own security and logistical responsibilities, signaling the continuation of his “America First” approach even in the world’s most complex issues.
