'Get your own oil': President Trump tells NATO allies, claims Iran 'decimated'

During the month-long course of the Iran conflict, President Donald Trump has, on several occasions, lashed out at its NATO allies, particularly those that have outright refused to aid in Operation Epic Fury. In his latest tirade, Trump asked his NATO allies to "go get your own oil" by either buying it from the U.S., or "build up some delayed courage" and open the Strait of Hormuz. 

"All of those countries that can't get jet fuel because of the Strait of Hormuz, like the United Kingdom...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," President Trump wrote on Truth Social. The President said that countries, including the U.K., should "learning how to fight for" themselves as "the U.S.A. won’t be there to help you anymore."

Trump's statements come against the backdrop of high volatility in global markets due to Iran's blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway, responsible for almost 20% of global oil trade. Despite repeated U.S. threats and a large military deployment in the Middle East, Iran has refused to enter negotiations with the Trump administration and continues to threaten U.S. allied ships attempting to cross the Strait. The fallout has seen global oil prices stay well over the $100 mark, affecting gas prices in both the U.S. and Europe. Wholesale gas prices in Europe rose by 67% in the first two weeks of the conflict alone, as per the Atlantic Council. This comes at a time Europe prepares to replenish its underground storage, which currently sits below 30%.  

However, several NATO allies, including the U.K., have refused to directly enter the Iran war. "When it came to the Iran war, I’ve said we’re not going to get dragged in because my judgment is that's not in the interests of our country," British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said, as per a recent Bloomberg report. Among other NATO allies, Spain has perhaps been the most vocal in opposing the Trump administration's calls to help open the Strait of Hormuz, with Spanish Defence Minister Margarita Robles recently saying that Spanish bases and airspace would not be allowed for the war in Iran.

"We don't authorize either the use of military bases ​or the use of airspace for actions related ​to the war in Iran," she told reporters ⁠in Madrid, as per a Reuters report. Economy Minister Carlos Cuerpo said that their decision was in line with international law. "This decision is part of the decision already ​made by the Spanish government not to participate in or contribute ‌to ⁠a war which was initiated unilaterally and against international law," he stated.