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US President Donald Trump says countries that are rattled by a fuel disruption over Iran’s de facto blockade of the Strait of Hormuz should go the sea passage and just take oil.
Trump spoke in a Truth Social post on Tuesday just as the average US retail price of petrol crossed $4 a gallon ($1 per litre) for the first time in more than three years.
The president criticised US allies, including the United Kingdom, which refused to participate 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. 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,” Trump said.
“Iran has been, essentially, decimated. The hard part is done. Go get your own oil!”
The global energy market has experienced a topsy-turvy curve since Iran, a major oil producer, was attacked by the US and Israel last month.
Nearly two weeks ago, oil prices surged to $114 per barrel — first time since May 2022 — after strikes on energy facilities.
Iran’s control of the Strait of Hormuz has squeezed shipping traffic to a trickle since the war began.
The disruptions in energy supply have hit countries around the world, forcing states to take hard biting energy conservation measures.
Trump has said his preference would be to take Iran’s oil.
Iran is a member of the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC). With about 208 million barrels as of 2024, it holds the world’s third largest proven crude oil reserves just after Venezuela and Saudi Arabia, according to OPEC.
