U.S. President Donald Trump on Tuesday publicly scolded the United Kingdom and France over their refusal to join military action against Iran, warning allies that “the U.S.A. won’t be there to help you anymore” as tensions over the Strait of Hormuz escalate.
Trump’s remarks, posted on his Truth Social account, singled out Paris for blocking the transit of U.S. military supplies en route to Israel. “The Country of France wouldn’t let planes headed to Israel, loaded up with military supplies, fly over French territory,” he wrote, adding that the U.S. “will REMEMBER!!!”
The president also criticized London for declining to participate in a joint operation intended to reopen the vital oil shipping route, which Iran has effectively blocked since late February. “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, I have a suggestion for you… build up some delayed courage, go to the Strait, and just TAKE IT,” Trump said.
He added: “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. Iran has been, essentially, decimated. The hard part is done. Go get your own oil!”
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth echoed the president’s message during a press briefing, noting that other nations should take responsibility for security in the Persian Gulf. “There are countries around the world who ought be prepared to step up on this critical waterway as well,” he said, referencing the Royal Navy and other European fleets.
Hegseth emphasized that while defeating Iran’s navy remains a U.S. priority, ensuring safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz is “not just the United States’ problem set.” He added that Trump’s warning serves as guidance for allies to “start learning how to fight for yourself.”
The remarks come amid a growing military confrontation in the Gulf, where Iran has attacked shipping vessels and blocked maritime traffic, including oil tankers from Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and other Gulf states. Satellite images from March 15 show smoke rising from Fujairah port in the United Arab Emirates following an attack on a fully laden Kuwaiti tanker.
Trump’s administration initially predicted the war would last only days, but the conflict has persisted for over a month. In recent statements, Trump has alternated between threats of further attacks on Iranian infrastructure, including civilian energy and water facilities, and signaling a potential peace deal.
European nations, particularly the U.K. and France, have expressed hesitancy to participate in military operations they view as optional, given the high risk of escalation. NATO has also faced criticism from the president, who described the alliance as “making a very foolish mistake” by not supporting U.S. actions.
The crisis has disrupted global oil and gas markets, with the Strait of Hormuz accounting for nearly one-fifth of the world’s petroleum trade. Analysts warn that prolonged closures could exacerbate price volatility and trigger supply chain shocks worldwide.
Trump’s remarks reflect his long-standing criticism of allies he perceives as unwilling to share the burden of U.S.-led military interventions. They underscore the administration’s insistence on pursuing unilateral action alongside Israel to secure strategic objectives in the region, particularly the reopening of the maritime corridor.
As tensions persist, the White House faces the dual challenge of projecting strength in the Gulf while managing strained relations with European partners and navigating the geopolitical fallout from an increasingly volatile conflict in the Middle East.
