After U.S. allies like Britain and France didn't join the U.S.-Israeli military campaign against Iran, President Donald Trump lashed out at the European nations, telling countries struggling with fuel shortages to "get your own oil" as the Strait of Hormuz remains severely disrupted.
In a Truth Social post, Trump said "All of those countries that can't get jet fuel because of the Strait of Hormuz, like the United Kingdom, which refused to get involved in the decapitation of Iran," should either "buy from the U.S.," or build up some delayed courage, go to the Strait, and just TAKE IT." He added that "the U.S.A. won't be there to help you anymore, just like you weren't there for us. Iran has been, essentially, decimated. The hard part is done. Go get your own oil!"
In another post, he singled out France, claiming that they "wouldn't let planes headed to Israel, loaded up with military supplies, fly over French territory." He also called them "VERY UNHELPFUL with respect to the "Butcher of Iran," who has been successfully eliminated!" Trump added that "The U.S.A. will REMEMBER!!!," France's reluctance to help in Iran.
Trump's comments come as the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's most important energy chokepoints, remains at the center of the global crisis. The waterway accounts for about 20 percent of the world's oil, and Iran's ability to choke off traffic there has emerged as a major threat to the global economy. The passage has been effectively closed for most tanker traffic since the United States and Israel began their bombing campaign against Iran on Feb. 28.
This is not the first time Trump has pushed allies to shoulder more of the burden. Trump has previously expressed disappointment in the European and NATO allies' response to the war in Iran. Speaking at a White House Cabinet meeting, Trump said, "Nobody's a match for the United States, but [Iran is] not a match for the United States. They're small potatoes. That's why I'm so disappointed in NATO, because this was a test for NATO. You can help us, you don't have to, but if you don't do that, we're gonna remember. Remember this in a number of months from now. Remember my statements."
Trump: "I'm so disappointed in NATO, because this was a test for NATO. We're gonna remember. Remember this in a number of months from now. Remember my statements." pic.twitter.com/pvMWJB51HO
— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) March 26, 2026
On March 17, Trump said most NATO allies had told Washington they did not want to get involved in the U.S. military operation in Iran, calling that stance "a very foolish mistake." In another Truth Social post earlier this month, Trump wrote, "Without the U.S.A., NATO IS A PAPER TIGER!," and called member nations "cowards" for refusing to directly support the U.S. and Israel's efforts in the Middle East.
The frustration stems in large part from a failed U.S. push to assemble outside military help in reopening and securing the Strait of Hormuz after Iran used drones, missiles, and mines to disrupt shipping there. Trump said earlier this month that his administration was talking to seven countries about joining such an effort and argued that nations dependent on Gulf energy should help protect the route. He specifically said countries benefiting from the region's energy supply had a responsibility to defend it.
But key U.S. partners largely balked. Reuters reported on March 16 that Germany, Spain, and Italy ruled out joining any Gulf mission for the time being, while Britain and Denmark said they would consider possible support but stressed de-escalation and avoiding being drawn deeper into the war.
German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius dismissed the idea that a small number of European frigates could meaningfully do what the U.S. Navy could not, while Berlin also said the conflict "has nothing to do with NATO." Pistorius also called the Iran War a "catastrophe for the world's economies" earlier this month.
