Trump, Hegseth Urge UK to Enter Iran Conflict, Secure Oil Trade
President Donald Trump and Secretary of War Pete Hegseth are accusing the United Kingdom of not helping secure the Strait of Hormuz, a key oil shipping lane targeted by Iran.
“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,” Trump wrote on Truth Social Tuesday morning.
“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… Go get your own oil!”
Iran has attacked oil tankers in the waterway, halting much of the traffic.
According to the International Energy Agency, “around 25% of the world’s seaborne oil trade” passes through the narrow strait between the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman.
The blockage has sent oil prices soaring. The average price of a gallon of regular gasoline in the United States is now over $4, per AAA; one month ago, it was under $3.
Thus far, the United Kingdom has kept its distance from the Iran conflict, while providing some indirect assistance to the U.S. military.
“We will take action to defend ourselves and our allies, and we will not be drawn into the wider war,” Prime Minister Keir Starmer said in March.
However, the U.K. has allowed the United States to use its bases for the military operation against Iran.
Secretary of War Pete Hegseth slammed the U.K. in a Tuesday morning press conference, echoing the president’s remarks.
“I think the president was clear this morning in his [post] that there are countries around the world who ought to be prepared to step up on this critical waterway as well,” said Hegseth. “It’s not just the United States Navy.”
He continued, “Last time I checked, there was supposed to be a big, bad Royal Navy that could be prepared to do things like that as well. [Trump’s] pointing out this is an international waterway that we use less than most. In fact, dramatically less than most.”
The British Embassy in Washington did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
