‘Buy oil from U.S., or go and grab it’ Trump distances himself from protecting Strait of Hormuz

Apr 02, 2026

US President Donald Trump has called on oil-importing nations to "build up some delayed courage" and take responsibility for reclaiming the Strait of Hormuz, asserting that the burden of securing the Iranian-blocked waterway should be shared by international partners. The President stated that these countries "[they] should have done it before, should have done it with us, as we asked." He further urged them to "go to the strait and just take it, protect it," as his administration continues its military campaign in the region. The President maintained that the United States is "getting very close" to its targets, stating, "We are gonna finish the job." He expressed gratitude toward regional partners, including Israel, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the UAE, and Bahrain, noting they have "been great" and vowing that the US "will not let them fail in any way, shape or form." Portraying the conflict as a "true investment in your children and your grandchildren's future," the President claimed the global community is observing American military capability with awe. "The whole world is watching, and they can't leave the power, strength and brilliance. They just can't believe what they're seeing," he remarked. The US President reiterated his stance that military action is essential to prevent Tehran from "acquiring a nuclear weapon." This claim persists despite previous acknowledgements from his own intelligence officials that the Iranian leadership was not actively seeking such a maritime or tactical capability last year. Addressing the domestic impact of the conflict, the President noted that "many...