'Go get your own oil from Strait of Hormuz': Trump to nations facing fuel shortages

US President Donald Trump took to social media on Tuesday to ask countries facing any oil shortages, including those that did not join the US in its strikes against Iran, to go to the Strait of Hormuz and "just take it". The American president cricitised the United Kingdom for staying out of the West Asia conflict that began with joint US-Israel strikes against Tehran on February that killed Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and triggered Tehran's retaliatory action against several countries in the region. Trump has been urging NATO members to join the US in the conflict, also explicitly warning them of a "very bad" future for not helping American in reopening the Strait of Hormuz -- a maritime region joining the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea that normally enables the passage of one-fifth of the world's oil and gas supplies. Iran's military action in the Middle East has left the strait effectively blocked.

"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 US, we have plenty, and Number 2, build up some delayed courage, go to the Strait, and just TAKE IT," wrote Trump.

"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," read his post on social media platform Truth Social.

He also criticised France for ⁠not ​letting planes carrying military supplies ​to Israel fly over French territory.

Middle East price and crude oil price

His latest remarks in the matter come at a time when the conflict between US-based Israel and Iran is in its second month. Tensions have kept investors on their toes globally while causing ripples in energy markets.

Benchmark Brent crude has surged 48 per cent since the onset of the conflict, briefly trading at a nearly four-year high (the highest level recorded since June 2022) of $119.5 a barrel in mid-March driven by the effective blockade of the strait.

Here's how Brent has moved during the ongoing West Asia conflict:

In mid-March, Brent hit the highest level recorded since June 2022, data shows.

Trump signals reduced willingness to support allies that didn't support US in Middle East

Signalling that the US is now less willing to support its allies that did not back its actions militarily in the conflict in the Middle East, the American president pushed for making these nations "learn to fight for themselves" or to purchase oil from the US.

The United States' import of Venezuelan heavy crude oil doubled to over a year high earlier this month after the Trump administration authorised American companies to directly engage in the full lifecycle of oil and gas operations with Venezuela's state-owned oil company PdVSA.

Direct and indirect negotiations on with Iran: Trump

On Monday, the POTUS said that direct and indirect negotiations with Iran are on and a deal could be reached soon. "They've heard our peace agenda and we've given ours too -- a 15-point proposal... They want an agreement, which is why they've given 20 boats as a token gesture," he said, referring to a 15-point plan proposed by the US most of which he claimed Iran had accepted.

That, however, contradicted recent remarks from the Iranian side, which accused the US of pursuing the 15-point plan to achieve its war goals after failing to achieve them by military force.

Last week, the Trump administration decided to pause planned strikes against Iran's energy infrastructure, claiming that it is at Tehran's request. The 10-day pause followed a five-day pause announced earlier.

Meanwhile, the Strait of Hormuz has been at the heart of tensions in the Middle East tensions for decades. The war has raised concerns about how disruptive a conflict in the region could be for the global oil trade, with many countries including India forced to establish alternative routes of supplies.

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Here are answers to frequently asked questions (FAQs) on the subject:

What is the current status of US attacks against Iran?

Since Monday, the US has been maintaining a temporary pause on planned strikes against the country.

What do Trump's latest remarks mean?

The POTUS warned Iranian negotiators to show seriousness soon or face severe consequences.

Is Iran negotiating with the US?

The US has signalled talks, but Iran has denied engaging in negotiations, though its foreign minister has said that America's proposal is being reviewed.

What is Trump's stance on NATO?

He expressed disappointment with NATO nations, blaming them for not extending support to the US in the Middle East conflict.

Why is the situation significant globally?

The conflict is impacting energy markets and raising fuel concerns.

Did the US delay military action?

Yes. On Monday, Trump announced a five-day pause in planned strikes on Iranian energy infrastructure.