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US President Donald Trump steps off Air Force One upon arrival at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland, on March 29, 2026. Photo: Mandel Ngan/ AFP
ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - US President Donald Trump on Tuesday urged allies affected by disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz to secure the route themselves, saying Washington would no longer “help”.
“All of those countries that can’t get jet fuel because of the Strait of Hormuz… go to the Strait, and just TAKE IT,” Trump said in a post on Truth Social. “You’ll have to start learning how to fight for yourself, the U.S.A. won’t be there to help you anymore.”
The remarks come amid ongoing disruptions to global shipping through the strategic waterway following over a month of war involving Iran, the United States and Israel.
Tehran has tightened control over the route and effectively limited commercial access. The Strait handles roughly 20 percent of global seaborne oil trade, and its disruption has pushed global oil prices up by 40 to 50 percent.
Trump singled out countries such as the United Kingdom, criticizing them for not joining US military actions against Iran, saying, “just like you weren’t there for us.” He also claimed that Iran has been “essentially, decimated,” adding that “the hard part is done.”
Last week, he also criticized NATO allies over what he described as a lack of support, saying they “don’t want to help open” the waterway after previously calling on partners to help secure shipping routes.
The conflict has led to a sharp drop in Gulf exports, disrupted shipping routes, and driven up energy prices. Analysts warn that continued instability could further strain global markets and deepen the economic impact beyond the Middle East.
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