President Donald Trump has launched a blistering verbal assault on traditional U.S. allies, including the United Kingdom and France, following their refusal to support recent military operations against Iran
In a series of posts on his Truth Social platform early Tuesday, Trump criticised the European nations for their lack of cooperation during the “decapitation” of the Iranian leadership.
He specifically targeted the UK for its neutrality and France for denying airspace to U.S. military flights headed to Israel.
“I have a suggestion for you: Number 1, buy from the U.S., we have plenty, and Number 2, build up some delayed courage, go to the Strait, and just TAKE IT. You’ll have to start learning how to fight for yourself, the U.S.A. won’t be there to help you anymore, just like you weren’t there for us,” Trump said.
“Iran has been, essentially, decimated. The hard part is done. Go get your own oil!”
Trump comes as the average US retail price of petrol crossed $4 a gallon ($1 per litre) for the first time in more than three years.
The global energy market has experienced a topsy-turvy curve since Iran, a major oil producer, was attacked by the US and Israel last month.
Nearly two weeks ago, oil prices surged to $114 per barrel — first time since May 2022 — after strikes on energy facilities.
Iran’s control of the Strait of Hormuz has squeezed shipping traffic to a trickle since the war began.
The disruptions in energy supply have hit countries around the world, forcing states to take hard biting energy conservation measures.
Trump has said his preference would be to take Iran’s oil.
Iran is a member of the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC). With about 208 million barrels as of 2024, it holds the world’s third-largest proven crude oil reserves just after Venezuela and Saudi Arabia, according to OPEC.