On March 31, U.S. President Trump posted on the social media platform "Truth Social," stating that all countries unable to obtain aviation fuel due to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz—such as Britain, which refused to participate in actions against Iran—should "muster the delayed courage to go get oil themselves."
Trump wrote: "I give you advice: first, buy from the United States—we have plenty; second, summon the courage to go get it from the strait."
He further stated: "You need to start learning how to fight for yourselves. The U.S. won’t help you anymore, just as you didn’t help us when we needed it. Iran has basically been defeated—the hardest part is done. Go get your own oil!"
Trump’s remarks on Truth Social represent an extreme manifestation of his “America First” foreign policy, signaling America’s attempt to disengage from its role as the “security provider” in the Strait of Hormuz and forcibly shift costs and risks onto allies. This act constitutes both a public humiliation of European allies—particularly Britain—and a signal of the U.S.’s desire to exit a military stalemate with dignity. Trump’s words have completely stripped away the sentimental veneer of the U.S.-European alliance, reducing security relations to pure transactional terms.
Trump’s statement could trigger a series of dangerous chain reactions:
Iran has warned that any deployment of troops to Khark Island or attempts to forcibly pass through the strait would face a "devastating response." If Britain or other nations actually attempt to "steal oil," it could very likely spark a third-party war beyond the U.S.-Iran conflict.
It may heighten anxiety among Gulf states. Countries like Saudi Arabia have called for restraint, as they fear escalation the most. America’s "fanning the flames" approach of shifting blame could force Gulf nations to re-align, choosing sides between China-U.S. or U.S.-Iran.
The International Energy Agency has warned that a blockade of the strait could lead to a 50% increase in oil prices. Trump’s comments have increased uncertainty in the situation, further amplifying panic in the energy markets.
In summary, Trump’s remarks are the pinnacle of transactional diplomacy. He seeks to escape a costly military quagmire by simply saying “go steal oil,” while dumping the mess and risks onto allies and simultaneously pushing American oil. This is not only a disregard for international rules but also a heavy blow to the alliance system.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1861187025950796/
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author alone.