A vital shipping route for global oil supplies that’s been largely blocked since the conflict with Iran began.
The narrow waterway between Iran and the Arabian Peninsula normally carries about 20% of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas. Since the US and Israel launched strikes on Iran on February 28, Iran has effectively controlled access, causing major disruptions and pushing fuel prices sharply higher around
the world.Trump’s Frustration with AlliesEarlier on Tuesday, President Trump took to social media (Truth Social) with a direct challenge. He told countries struggling with fuel shortages — including the UK — to “build up some delayed courage, go to the Strait, and just TAKE IT.” He added that the “hard part is done” after Iran’s military capabilities were heavily damaged, and that the US won’t keep stepping in when others haven’t helped: “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 specifically called out nations that didn’t join the initial actions against Iran.In a follow-up interview, Trump said affected countries “have to come in and take care of it” themselves, downplaying any major ongoing threat in the area.During a news conference, Hegseth reinforced the president’s stance. He said the US has “set the conditions for success” and done the heavy lifting, but securing the strait “is not just an American problem.
There are countries around the world who ought to be prepared to step up on this critical waterway as well. It’s not just the United States Navy,” he said. He even took a jab at the UK, noting that “last time I checked, there was supposed to be a big, bad Royal Navy” ready to handle such tasks.Hegseth highlighted what he sees as a lack of support from allies during the conflict, saying it has “laid bare” the true state of alliances.
He suggested the president is pointing out that a real alliance requires standing together when needed.The UK has previously stated it won’t be “dragged into” the war.