President Trump on Tuesday publicly criticized European allies for their limited involvement in the U.S. war with Iran, signaling that the U.S. may withdraw without reopening the Strait of Hormuz. In a series of Truth Social posts, Trump called on nations like the U.K. and France to take independent action to secure the critical waterway, which facilitates the transportation of roughly one-fifth of the world's oil supply.
'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: 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,' Trump wrote.
Trump also lambasted France for denying passage to U.S. military planes carrying ammunition to Israel, emphasizing that such actions would not be forgotten. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth echoed the sentiment, stating that reopening the Strait of Hormuz is not solely a U.S. responsibility but a collective effort.
European Resistance
Several European nations have refused to cooperate with U.S. military operations against Iran. Spain declined to allow U.S. military planes to use its airspace, while Italy blocked a U.S. base from being used as a transit point. Despite these setbacks, the U.K. and France have provided limited support, assisting Gulf states in intercepting Iranian drones and missiles.
Behind the Scenes
During the recent G7 meeting, Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized that while the U.S. does not require G7 assistance to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, it seeks international cooperation for a maritime task force to police the strait post-conflict. This move aims to prevent Iran from asserting control over the vital waterway.