U.S. President Donald Trump on Friday mocked international allies over surging fuel prices, as the Strait of Hormuz remains a focal point of a major blockade by Iran amid the ongoing war in West Asia.
In a Truth Social post, Trump took a sarcastic jibe at the allies, such as the United Kingdom, suggesting that they “keep the oil”.
“Keep the oil, anyone”, the president wrote, targeting nations that have raised concerns over the escalating energy prices since the blockade of the strait.
The Strait of Hormuz — a vital maritime chokepoint that provides for nearly one-fifth of the global oil and gas trade — was effectively blocked by Tehran as the war with the United States and Israel intensified.
The blockade of the critical waterway has impacted the prices of energy supplies worldwide, leaving several nations struggling with fuel and gas deficits.
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Pressure Politics?
Donald Trump’s latest remarks appeared to be pressurising the ally nations to join the ‘Operation Epic Fury’, the US-led military campaign to target the Iranian regime.
Earlier, Trump issued multiple warnings to the nations, stating that the world could either “go get oil from inflamed Iran” or purchase it directly from American reserves at a premium.
He had also vowed to strike Iranian targets “20 times harder” if the Hormuz disruptions do not cease immediately.
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The development comes as the war in West Asia entered its sixth week, with Iran and Israel intensifying military operations in the region. On Friday, Tehran shot down two US jets over the Iranian territory, marking a sharp escalation to the conflict.
However, President Trump stressed the attack won’t affect the prospects of peace talks with Iran. “No, not at all. No, it’s war. We’re in war”, he said in an interview.
