‘America has plenty of gas’: Trump dismisses price fears, says US doesn’t need oil via Hormuz Strait

WASHINGTON, D.C.: President Donald Trump addressed the nation on Wednesday, April 1, where he talked about the ongoing Iran war and its repercussions on the US as well as on the world. The war has affected several things, especially the oil supply that comes via the Hormuz Strait, a waterway between the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman.

Though Tehran does not have full authority over it, it controls the waterway with Oman. But amid the crisis, Trump has asserted that America doesn't need oil via the Hormuz Strait because it “has plenty of gas” despite the price going $4 for the first time since 2022.

Trump claims the US is the 'number one producer of oil and gas on the planet'

He claimed, “Many Americans have been concerned to see the recent rise in gasoline prices here at home. This short-term increase has been entirely the result of the Iranian regime launching deranged terror attacks against commercial oil tankers and neighboring countries that have nothing to do with the conflict.”

“This is yet more proof that Iran can never be trusted with nuclear weapons,” the US leader stated, as he further continued that “because of our drill-a-baby drill program, America has plenty of gas. We have so much gas. Under my leadership, we are, number one, producer of oil and gas on the planet.”

Trump says nations depended on Strait of Hormuz can now easily grab oil from there

In his speech, Trump also asked the nations that need oil through the Strait of Hormuz that they “must grab it and cherish it.” He mentioned that “the United States imports almost no oil through the Hormuz Strait and won't be taking any in the future,” adding, “We don't need it. We have plenty. We have so much.”

He, however, noted that the countries “that do receive oil through the hormone strait must take care of that passage. They must cherish it. They must grab it and cherish it, they can do it easily. We will be helpful, but they should take the lead in protecting the oil that they so desperately depend on.”

Trump asks other countries to buy oil from the US

Trump also had a suggestion for other nations that are facing oil issues. 

He added, “Number one, buy oil from the United States of America. We have plenty. We have so much. And number two, build up some delayed courage. Should have done it before, should have done with us as we asked. Go to the Strait and just take it, protect it, use it for yourselves.”

The US commander-in-chief insisted during his speech that once the Iran war is over, “the Strait will open up naturally.” Trump added,  “They're going to want to be able to sell oil because that's all they have to try and rebuild. It will resume the flowing, and the gas prices will rapidly come back down.”