President says nations facing fuel shortages should secure their own shipping routes as U.S. recalibrates role in key oil corridor.
By yourNEWS Media Newsroom
President Donald Trump on March 31 called on allied nations to take responsibility for maintaining access to energy supplies through the Strait of Hormuz, indicating that the United States may reduce its direct involvement in securing the strategic waterway.
In a statement posted on Truth Social, Trump told countries experiencing fuel shortages due to disruptions in the strait that they should “go to the Strait, and just TAKE IT,” adding that “the U.S.A. won’t be there to help you anymore.” He also advised affected nations to purchase energy from the United States, stating that domestic supply remains sufficient.
The remarks come as tensions persist in the Gulf region, where Iranian forces have restricted maritime traffic following U.S. and Israeli military operations. Since early March, vessel movement through the narrow passage has slowed significantly, with only a limited number of tankers and cargo ships reported to have transited the route.
Iranian officials have indicated they intend to maintain control over shipping in the strait even after hostilities subside. Lawmakers in Tehran have also advanced a proposal to impose tolls on vessels passing through the corridor, a move that has drawn concern from global energy markets.
The disruption has contributed to rising oil prices and heightened fears of broader supply shortages, as the waterway handles a substantial portion of the world’s petroleum shipments as well as other commodities, including fertilizer.
Trump characterized recent military operations as having significantly weakened Iran’s capabilities, stating that “the hard part is done,” and urged allied nations to “start learning how to fight for yourself.”
Administration officials have also outlined a more limited set of primary objectives for the ongoing campaign. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said the United States is working toward restoring normal traffic through the strait but emphasized that core military goals are focused on degrading Iran’s naval forces, missile systems, defense industry, and nuclear capabilities.
“The full reopening of the strait is something the administration is working towards, but the core objectives of the operation have been clearly defined for the American people by the commander in chief,” Leavitt said in response to questions about the administration’s strategy.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio indicated that U.S. involvement in maintaining access to the strait could diminish as operations progress. Speaking in a televised interview, Rubio said that ensuring freedom of navigation may ultimately involve a coalition of countries.
“Then we’ll be confronted with this issue of the Straits of Hormuz, and it’ll be up to Iran to decide,” Rubio said. “It will be open because Iran agrees to abide by international law and not block the commercial waterway, or a coalition of nations from around the world and the region, with the participation of the United States, will make sure that it’s open. But one way or the other, it’s going to be open.”
Rubio added in a separate interview that the administration has multiple options to respond if Iran attempts to block the route or enforce tolls on oil shipments. “That’s not going to be allowed to happen,” he said, declining to provide details on potential actions.
Trump has also warned that further escalation remains possible if negotiations fail. He stated that U.S. forces could target Iran’s energy infrastructure and water facilities if an agreement to end the conflict and reopen the strait is not reached.
At the same time, the president expressed confidence in ongoing diplomatic efforts, saying that changes within Iran’s leadership have created conditions for potential progress and that talks are “moving along very nicely.”
Iranian officials have rejected those claims. Foreign ministry spokesman Esmail Baqaei said there have been no direct negotiations with the United States and dismissed assertions that Tehran has agreed to any proposals.
The situation remains fluid as military operations continue and diplomatic channels remain contested, with the Strait of Hormuz at the center of both strategic and economic concerns.
Original article
Comments