Trump urges allies to secure Strait of Hormuz once Iran is 'finished off'
WASHINGTON, DC: US President Donald Trump on Wednesday, March 18, suggested that American allies should assume full responsibility for securing the Strait of Hormuz after Washington succeeds in toppling the Iranian regime.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump said the United States may step back from the strategic waterway after defeating what he called the “Iranian State.”
“I wonder what would happen if we ‘finished off’ what’s left of the Iranian T****r State, and let the Countries that use it... be responsible for the so-called ‘Straight?’” he wrote, adding that such a move would force “non-responsive allies” to act.
Trump's sharp criticism of NATO allies
Trump, a day earlier, also lashed out at NATO, accusing member states of failing to support US efforts to secure the crucial maritime route.
“I think NATO is making a very foolish mistake,” he said, expressing frustration that the alliance had declined to participate in military operations linked to reopening the strait.
Questioning the bloc’s reliability, Trump framed the situation as a test of NATO’s commitment to Washington.
“We don’t need them, but they should have been there,” he said, pointing to what he described as trillions of dollars spent by the US in support of the alliance.
Europe holds back, eyes post-conflict role
European nations have resisted US calls to deploy warships during active hostilities with Iran, citing concerns over being drawn directly into the conflict.
However, several leaders have indicated openness to joining a maritime security coalition once the conflict subsides, provided operations are diplomatically coordinated and separate from combat missions.
The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world’s most critical chokepoints, with roughly one-fifth of global oil supply passing through the narrow corridor.
Trump contrasted NATO’s reluctance with what he described as “great support” from Middle Eastern partners, highlighting a widening divide between Washington and some of its traditional Western allies.
Oil shock: Gas prices surge across the US
Amid the escalating crisis, energy markets have reacted sharply, with fuel prices surging across the United States.
The average price of regular gasoline rose another 5 cents on Tuesday to $3.84 per gallon, the highest level since September 2023.
Prices have crossed $4 per gallon in seven states, while California, Hawaii, and Washington have all reported averages above $5.
Overall, national gas prices have jumped by 86 cents in just 18 days, a 29% surge, marking one of the fastest increases on record, comparable to the spike following Hurricane Katrina, which severely disrupted US oil refining operations.
