Trump criticizes Europe over Iran war stance, urges allies to ‘get your own oil'

With global fuel prices rising, US president ramps up rhetoric, urging Hormuz action
PUBLISHED MAR 31, 2026
US President Donald Trump, in a Truth Social post, criticized longtime allies for failing to actively participate in the Iran war (Getty Images)
US President Donald Trump, in a Truth Social post, criticized longtime allies for failing to actively participate in the Iran war (Getty Images)

WASHINGTON, DC: US President Donald Trump on Tuesday, March 31, sharply criticized European nations for what he described as their failure to take a more active role in the ongoing conflict involving Iran.

He urged them to secure their own energy supplies instead of relying on Washington.

Posting on his social media platform Truth Social, Trump lashed out at long-standing allies, including the United Kingdom, as global fuel prices climb past $4 per gallon amid continued instability in the region.

Oil tankers and cargo ships line up in the Strait of Hormuz as seen from Khor Fakkan, United Arab Emirates, Wednesday, March 11, 2026. (AP Photo/Altaf Qadri)
Oil tankers and cargo ships line up in the Strait of Hormuz as seen from Khor Fakkan, United Arab Emirates, Wednesday, March 11, 2026 (AP Photo/Altaf Qadri)

Trump says ‘go to the strait and just take it’

In a series of strongly worded posts, Trump called on countries affected by disrupted oil supplies to take direct control of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical maritime corridor through which nearly a fifth of the world’s oil flows.



“All of those countries that can’t get jet fuel because of the Strait of Hormuz… I have a suggestion,” Trump wrote. “Buy from the US, we have plenty and build up some courage. Go to the Strait and just TAKE IT.”

He went further, warning allies that they would need to “start learning how to fight for yourself,” adding that the United States might not continue to provide the same level of military or strategic backing in future conflicts.

This image provided by U.S. Central Command shows the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Winston S. Churchill (DDG 81) firing a Tomahawk Land Attack Missile (TLAM) in support of Operation Epic Fury, on Saturday, Feb. 28, 2026. (U.S. Navy via AP)
This image provided by US Central Command shows the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Winston S Churchill (DDG 81) firing a Tomahawk Land Attack Missile (TLAM) in support of Operation Epic Fury, on Saturday, February 28, 2026 (US Navy via AP)

Claims Iran ‘decimated,’ war burden shifted

Trump argued that Iran had already been significantly weakened by ongoing military operations, claiming “the hard part is done” and suggesting that other nations should now step in to secure their own access to oil.

“Iran has been, essentially, decimated… Go get your own oil!” he wrote, framing the conflict as one where the United States had already borne the brunt of the effort.

His remarks reflect a broader pattern of criticism toward NATO and European allies, often accusing them of depending excessively on American military and economic support.

U.S. President Donald Trump greets France's President Emmanuel Macron during a summit of European and Middle Eastern leaders on October 13, 2025 in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt. President Trump is in Egypt to meet with European and Middle Eastern leaders in what’s being billed as an international peace summit, following the start of a US-brokered ceasefire deal to end the war in the Gaza Strip. (Photo by Evan Vucci - Pool/Getty Images)
Trump greets France's President Emmanuel Macron during a summit of European and Middle Eastern leaders on October 13, 2025, in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt ( Evan Vucci - Pool/Getty Images)

France accused of blocking military support

In a separate post, Trump also aimed at France, accusing it of refusing to allow aircraft carrying military supplies bound for Israel to pass through its airspace



Labeling the move “VERY UNHELPFUL,” Trump warned that “the U.S.A. will remember,” escalating tensions in rhetoric with another key Western ally.

A rider gallops along a beach as oil tankers and cargo ships line up in the Strait of Hormuz near Khor Fakkan, United Arab Emirates, Wednesday, March 11, 2026. (AP Photo/Altaf Qadri)
A rider gallops along a beach as oil tankers and cargo ships line up in the Strait of Hormuz near Khor Fakkan, United Arab Emirates, Wednesday, March 11, 2026 (AP Photo/Altaf Qadri)

Strait of Hormuz disruption drives global price surge

Trump’s comments come as Iran continues to obstruct the movement of international oil tankers through the Strait of Hormuz, exacerbating a global energy crunch.

The disruption has sent shockwaves through international markets, contributing to rising fuel prices and economic uncertainty worldwide.

The conflict, now in its fifth week, has already had far-reaching implications for global supply chains, energy security, and geopolitical alignments.

RELATED TOPICS US STRIKES IRAN

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