Trump Urges Allies to 'Go Get Your Own Oil' in Strait of Hormuz Standoff

President shifts responsibility for securing key oil chokepoint as gas prices soar

Apr. 1, 2026 at 3:58am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

As Iran maintains control over the Strait of Hormuz, cutting off much of the world's oil supply, President Donald Trump is now calling on U.S. allies to take responsibility for securing the strategic waterway. Trump has threatened to attack Iran's power and desalination plants if the strait is not reopened, but has also said the U.S. may withdraw its assets from the region, claiming the strait will 'automatically open' when America exits the conflict.

Why it matters

The Strait of Hormuz is a critical global chokepoint for oil shipments, with around one-fifth of the world's oil supply passing through the narrow waterway. Iran's stranglehold on the strait has led to skyrocketing gas prices worldwide, posing economic and political challenges for the U.S. and its allies. Trump's shifting stance, from threatening military action to urging others to 'police it themselves,' reflects the administration's difficulty in formulating a coherent strategy to reopen the strait.

The details

Trump has issued a series of conflicting statements on the Strait of Hormuz in recent weeks. After initially threatening to attack Iran's power and desalination plants if the strait was not immediately reopened, the president has now called on U.S. allies like the UK to 'go get your own oil' and 'start learning how to fight for yourself.' Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has also echoed Trump's call for other nations to 'step up' and secure the waterway. However, the administration has notably not listed the full reopening of the strait as a key objective of its 'Operation Epic Fury' against Iran.

  • On March 21, Trump threatened Iran that if it didn't 'FULLY OPEN' the Strait of Hormuz in 48 hours, the U.S. would hit the country's power plants.
  • On March 30, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said the 'full reopening of the strait is something the administration is working towards, but the core objectives of the operation have been clearly defined.'

The players

Donald Trump

The former President of the United States who is now calling on U.S. allies to take responsibility for securing the Strait of Hormuz.

Karoline Leavitt

The current White House Press Secretary who stated that the full reopening of the Strait of Hormuz is a goal the administration is working towards, but not a core objective of 'Operation Epic Fury.'

Pete Hegseth

The current U.S. Defense Secretary who has echoed Trump's call for other nations to 'step up' and secure the Strait of Hormuz.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“'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.'”

— Donald Trump

“'It's not just the United States Navy. Last time I checked, there was supposed to be a big, bad Royal Navy that could be prepared to do things like that as well.'”

— Pete Hegseth, U.S. Defense Secretary

What’s next

The administration has paused attacks on Iran until April 6 citing ongoing negotiations with new Iranian leadership, though Tehran has publicly denied any direct talks and has pushed back on a 15-point peace plan presented by the U.S. through intermediaries.

The takeaway

Trump's shifting stance on the Strait of Hormuz, from threatening military action to urging allies to 'police it themselves,' highlights the administration's struggle to formulate an effective strategy to reopen the critical global oil chokepoint. The standoff has led to skyrocketing gas prices worldwide, posing significant economic and political challenges for the U.S. and its allies.