Donald Trump has warned the UK that the “US won’t be there to help you anymore, just like you weren’t there for us” in an extraordinary rant over the war in Iran.
The US President told the UK and other countries which did not take part in strikes against Iran they should secure the Strait of Hormuz, crucial for the world’s energy supplies, themselves.
He also reignited his row with Sir Keir Starmer, hitting out at the government, which he said “refused to get involved in the decapitation of Iran” and telling it to “build up some delayed courage”.
He posted on his Truth Social platform: “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.
“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! President DJT”.
His rant follows reports President Trump had told senior aides he is considering withdrawing from the conflict without a plan in place to open the Strait.
That would leave Tehran in control of the vital shipping lane, prolonging economic chaos around the world.
Iran has imposed a de facto blockade on the waterway, upending global oil and gas supplies, which have caused energy prices to surge. The Islamic Republic has allowed some ships to pass through in a “tollbooth” system, where vessels pay as much as $2m per voyage or according to particular political and financial conditions.
The prolonged closure threatens to extend disruption to the world’s energy supplies, with the prices per barrel of oil continuing to rise above $100 – the first time since 2022.
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