Trump Tells Allies Refusing to Secure Strait of Hormuz: “Build up some delayed courage, go to the Strait, and just TAKE IT,”
Trump added: “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.”
Tommy Flynn
WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump sharply criticized key U.S. allies Monday for refusing to help secure the Strait of Hormuz, telling them they must now fend for themselves after declining to support American military action against Iran.
In a Truth Social post, Trump directly addressed nations facing jet-fuel shortages caused by Iranian disruptions in the strait, singling out the United Kingdom for refusing to join U.S. and Israeli strikes.
“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 U.S., we have plenty, and Number 2, build up some delayed courage, go to the Strait, and just TAKE IT,” Trump wrote.
He added: “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.”
The statement came as the Strait of Hormuz — through which roughly one-fifth of global oil shipments pass — remains partially blocked by Iranian mines, drones and missile threats more than a month into the conflict that began Feb. 28, 2026. Multiple NATO allies, including the UK, France, Germany, Spain and Italy, have publicly declined or stalled on Trump’s repeated requests to contribute naval forces for escort missions or clearance operations.
European leaders cited concerns over escalation and stated the conflict was not theirs to fight. The European Union’s top diplomat, Kaja Kallas, said explicitly, “This is not Europe’s war. We didn’t start the war. We were not consulted.”
Trump’s blunt message underscores growing frustration with allies who benefit from secure shipping lanes and U.S. security guarantees but offer little reciprocal support. He offered immediate relief by selling American oil to affected nations while making clear the era of unconditional U.S. protection is ending.
The president’s remarks follow weeks of private diplomatic pressure on allies to join a multinational effort to reopen the strait. Several Gulf states most directly threatened by Iran have privately backed continued U.S. action, in contrast to the reluctance shown by distant European capitals.
No immediate response came from the UK or other named allies to Trump’s post. The administration continues to pursue both military options and indirect negotiations with Iran while maintaining that freedom of navigation in the strait is a global interest that should not fall solely on American shoulders.