US President Donald Trump on Tuesday urged countries affected by the fuel crisis caused by the closure of the Strait of Hormuz amid the ongoing Iran war to "build some courage and get their own oil."
The Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway through which roughly 20% of the world's oil and gas flows, has been blocked following Iran's retaliatory attacks against US-Israeli strikes on February 28. Trump has repeatedly called on countries to assist in reopening the strait, where vessels carrying oil and gas have been targeted by Iranian projectiles.
Frustrated by the lack of international support for his operations against Iran, Trump offered two "suggestions" for nations struggling to obtain jet fuel due to the blockade: buy from the US, or "just take it" from the strait.
"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," Trump wrote on Truth Social.
He reiterated that Iran has been "decimated" and urged countries to "get their own oil." "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! President DJT," he added.
The conflict between Iran and the United States continues with no signs of de-escalation, as both sides exchange strikes. Trump has also sent mixed signals about the war, suggesting that diplomatic talks may be progressing while simultaneously threatening further military action.
In a major escalation, Iran's Isfahan city, home to one of the country's three nuclear enrichment sites, was attacked on Tuesday. Trump shared footage of the strike on his Truth Social account without any caption.
