In the early days of the conflict, after strikes on Iran by Israel in coordination with the United States, Tehran closed the Strait of Hormuz, through which about 20% of the world’s oil supply passes.
Trump had repeatedly called on countries to send troops to help secure the route, but many declined, arguing that the United States had initiated the conflict without consulting them.
The U.S. made several attempts to pressure Iran into reopening the passage, but without success. At one point, Israel even killed some senior commanders of Iran’s naval forces, yet Iran continued targeting ships it considers hostile.
Iran stated that vessels from its allied countries would be allowed safe passage, while those linked to the United States should expect consequences.
This has led to soaring oil prices, with a barrel now selling between $107 and $117, up from $70–$73 before the conflict.
Posting on Truth Social, Trump said countries like United Kingdom are struggling to access aviation fuel due to the closure of Hormuz and should take matters into their own hands.
He said, “They should gather the courage they lacked and go into the strait to get their oil.”
Trump added that countries must understand what self-defense means, saying, “The United States will not help you anymore as you did not help us.”
He also claimed that despite limited support from allies, Iran had already been significantly weakened, stating, “The strong part has been taken out. Go and get your oil.”
Iran has continued attacking oil tankers it associates with allies of Israel and the United States. Recently, it struck a Kuwaiti vessel carrying millions of barrels of oil near Dubai in the United Arab Emirates.
The conflict, which began on February 28, 2026, has resulted in heavy casualties. According to human rights groups in Iran, 3,492 people have been killed there, including 1,574 civilians and 236 children.
In Israel, Iranian attacks have killed 19 people, along with nine soldiers killed in Lebanon. In Lebanon, the conflict has claimed 1,247 lives, including 124 children.
In Gulf countries, 24 people have been reported dead, including 11 in the United Arab Emirates and seven in Kuwait, while Oman, Saudi Arabia, and Bahrain have each reported two deaths.
The war has also claimed the lives of 13 U.S. soldiers.
