"For all the nations that cannot access fuel through the Hormuz Strait, like the UK, which refused to join the Iran operation, I have a suggestion. First, buy from the US; we have plenty. Second, muster some belated courage, go to the Hormuz Strait, and get it back yourselves," Trump wrote on Truth Social on 31/3.

The Hormuz Strait, a vital artery for 20% of the world's oil and LNG supply, has been largely blockaded by Iran since US and Israeli forces launched an offensive in late February. This has left thousands of oil tankers stranded in the Persian Gulf and disrupted the global energy market.

Trump previously urged NATO allies, the EU, and other nations to deploy warships to open Hormuz. However, these parties were reluctant to participate in escorting oil tankers through the strait, leading to Trump's displeasure. He questioned NATO's future and criticized European allies such as the UK and France.

"You will have to learn to fight for yourselves. The US will no longer be there to help, just as you did not stand with us," President Trump wrote. "Iran has been largely weakened. The hardest part is done. Go get your own oil."

US President Donald Trump at the White House on 2/3. Photo: AP

Trump has recently sent positive signals regarding negotiations with Iran. However, he also threatened to destroy all of Iran's power plants, oil wells, and desalination facilities if the country does not promptly accept a deal with Washington and immediately reopen the Hormuz Strait.

Iran has shown no signs of concession. Its parliament even passed a plan to levy fees on vessels using the Hormuz Strait. In an interview on 1/4, Trump stated that the White House had no immediate plans to withdraw resources from the strait area.

"There will be a time when I do that, not now, but other countries must step in and handle it themselves," he said. "Iran has been weakened, but countries will have to do their part."

During a press conference the same day, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth supported Trump's view, stating that the US leader was "ready to bear the heavy burden for the free world to address the threat from Iran."

"Many countries worldwide should be ready to contribute to this critical maritime route. This is not solely the responsibility of the US Navy," Hegseth said. "As far as I know, there is still a Royal Navy once considered powerful and fully capable of such actions. The President is simply emphasizing that this is an international shipping lane that the US uses far less than many other countries."

Location of the Hormuz Strait. Graphic: Guardian

Since the outbreak of conflict in the Middle East, vessel traffic through the Hormuz Strait has decreased by about 95%, according to data from maritime analytics firm Kpler.

Iran has allowed some vessels from Malaysia, China, Egypt, South Korea, and India to pass through the Hormuz Strait. Tehran also announced a list of "friendly nations" that can use the Hormuz Strait for unobstructed trade, including India, Pakistan, Iraq, China, and Russia.

Iranian media reported that the parliament's recently approved plan to collect fees for vessels using the Hormuz Strait includes a payment mechanism using the Iranian rial. The plan reportedly also addresses measures to ensure maritime security and safety, and the role of Iran's armed forces in the strait, but detailed information has not yet been released.

Duc Trung (According to Politico, CNN, Washington Post)