US president Donald Trump had a message on Tuesday for U.S. allies whose access to oil has been imperilled by the US-Israel war against Iran: You’re on your own.
“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: 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,” he wrote on Truth Social on Tuesday.
“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,” he added. “Iran has been, essentially, decimated. The hard part is done. Go get your own oil!”
The latest attack on America’s allies comes after Trump said that the US will obliterate Iran’s energy plants if it does not agree to a peace deal and if the Strait of Hormuz is not immediately “open for business.”
While touting positive progress in negotiations with Iran earlier this week, Trump threatened to blow up and “completely” obliterate Tehran’s energy infrastructure if it did not open the Strait.
Tehran’s ability to blockade the waters, throwing the world’s energy market into turmoil, has been used as a form of retaliation for the American and Israeli military strikes on the country.
The White House on Monday (local time) claimed that the recent movement of oil tankers through the Strait of Hormuz, despite a virtual blockage amid the conflict, is the result of ongoing direct and indirect talks between the United States and Iran.
It credited diplomatic efforts led by Donald Trump.
Addressing a press briefing, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said the full reopening of the strait is something the administration is working towards, but the core objectives of the operation have been clearly defined for the American people by the commander in chief.
Leavitt rejected claims that Iran is selectively allowing certain tankers to pass the Strait.
“That’s not something we support, and I would reject that they are cherry-picking. In fact, these tankers that are moving through – the 10 that were previously announced and now the new 20, the announcement of 20 additional tankers, which we expect to see over the coming days – are a result of the direct and indirect talks that are taking place between the United States and Iran,” she claimed.
Leavitt further insisted that such tanker movements would not have been possible without sustained diplomatic engagement by the US administration led by Trump.
