WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump on Tuesday criticised European allies, warning they would have to “fight for themselves” and secure their own energy supplies amid disruptions caused by the conflict with Iran and the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump accused countries such as the United Kingdom of failing to support Washington’s military campaign alongside Israel.
“You’ll have to start learning how to fight for yourself, the U.S.A. won’t be there to help you anymore,” Trump wrote, adding: “Go get your own oil.”
Trump singled out the United Kingdom for refusing to join military operations against 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,” he said. “Buy from the U.S., we have plenty … and go to the Strait, and just TAKE IT.”
“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…” – President Donald J. Trump pic.twitter.com/aPYmL0qspa
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) March 31, 2026
Earlier, Trump also criticised France, claiming it had blocked flights carrying military supplies to Israel from crossing its airspace.
“France has been VERY UNHELPFUL … The U.S.A. will REMEMBER!!!,” he wrote.
The remarks highlight growing tensions between Washington and its NATO allies, many of whom have declined to participate in what they view as a high-risk military escalation in the Gulf.
The White House said on Monday that diplomatic efforts with Iran remain ongoing.
Press secretary Karoline Leavitt said Trump still aims to reach a deal with Iran before an April 6 deadline, adding that talks are progressing.
Trump has also criticised NATO, calling its reluctance to support US operations a “very foolish mistake”.
“I wonder whether or not NATO would ever be there for us,” he told reporters last week, describing the conflict as a “test” of the alliance.
The United Kingdom has maintained it will not join the war, with Prime Minister Keir Starmer reiterating that position.
Strait of Hormuz disruptions
The criticism comes as Iran continues to restrict maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, a vital shipping route for global oil and gas supplies.
Since the conflict began in late February, the waterway has been largely blocked, halting shipments and driving up energy prices worldwide.
The World Food Programme (WFP) said the Hormuz disruption has caused the most significant disruption to global supply chains since the COVID-19 pandemic and the war in Ukraine.
Corinne Fleischer, the agency’s supply chain director, said around 70,000 metric tonnes of food shipments have been affected, with vessels delayed or stranded due to disruptions linked to the Strait of Hormuz.
“This has a whole disruption of a global supply chain,” she told reporters in Geneva.
Overnight, Iran struck and set ablaze a Kuwaiti oil tanker near Dubai, raising fears of a major spill.
However, Dubai authorities said on Tuesday that the fire had been extinguished without injuries or environmental damage.
The United Arab Emirates Ministry of Defence said it was responding to missiles and drones launched by Iran.
Saudi Arabia also reported intercepting and destroying drones.
