President Donald Trump has intensified a sharp diplomatic rift with key European allies, issuing a blunt directive for nations refusing to join the ongoing conflict in Iran to secure their own energy supplies by force. In a series of posts on his Truth Social platform, the President told governments concerned about soaring fuel costs to “go get your own oil” from the Gulf, a statement that immediately sent global oil prices higher and underscored the fracturing of transatlantic relations.
The comments come as the conflict, now entering its second month, continues to wreak havoc on the global economy and strain military alliances. While the White House indicated that US forces could end operations in Iran within two to three weeks as talks with Iranian authorities proceed, the President simultaneously shifted the burden of security in the Strait of Hormuz onto user nations. “That’s not for us … That’ll be for whoever’s using the strait,” Trump told reporters, signaling a potential withdrawal of US naval protection from one of the world’s most critical chokepoints.
European Allies Push Back on US Demands
The President’s remarks follow a week of escalating friction between Washington and European capitals. In a significant display of dissent, France blocked Israeli planes carrying weapons from flying through its airspace, while Italy refused last-minute permission for US bombers to land in Sicily. Reports from Rome confirmed that the denial was due to procedural issues regarding parliamentary approval, though the move highlights the growing reluctance among traditional allies to facilitate military logistics for the war.
Spain has taken an even firmer stance, having already denied the US apply of its bases and airspace. Speaking to congress, Spanish Defence Minister Margarita Robles stated that her country would not “accept lectures from anyone” regarding its commitment to peace. “Two countries went to war and expected us to join them,” Robles said, adding that Spain felt no obligation to participate in a conflict whose objectives remain undefined 30 days in.
The United Kingdom, which has allowed the US to use its bases despite its government labeling the war illegal, has similarly faced public admonishment from the White House. US Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth singled out the UK during a press conference, questioning the capability of the Royal 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,” Hegseth said, echoing Trump’s suggestion that European nations should “build up some delayed courage, go to the Strait and just TAKE IT”.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt announced that President Trump will address the nation to provide an update on the situation, even as Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned of a reevaluation of NATO’s utility. Rubio questioned whether the alliance had grow a “one-way street where America is simply in a position to defend Europe, but when we need the aid of our allies, they’re going to deny us basing rights, and they’re going to deny us overflight.”
Market Volatility and Escalating Strikes
The economic fallout from the conflict is mounting rapidly. Global frustration is growing as average US gas prices passed $4 a gallon for the first time in four years. Irish Taoiseach Micheál Martin described the oil supply shock caused by the US-Israeli attack on Iran as “probably the worst ever,” reflecting the severity of the disruption.
Despite the tension, spot prices for Brent crude dropped below $104 a barrel following remarks from Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian. Pezeshkian stated that Iran had the “necessary will” to end the war provided essential conditions were met, specifically guarantees that the conflict would not be repeated. Trump also told NBC News that the war was “coming to an end,” though he offered no details on the mechanism for cessation.
However, military operations continue to intensify. On Tuesday, blasts were heard in Riyadh, and Tehran attacked a fully loaded Kuwaiti oil tanker in the Gulf. Simultaneously, US strikes hit the city of Isfahan, home to one of Iran’s main nuclear sites. The US announced the deployment of B-52 bombers to strike targets, indicating a level of air superiority that allows operations without fear of pilots being shot down.
The conflict has reportedly killed more than 3,000 people, with governments outside the region increasingly focused on the economic shocks amidst high inflation and slow growth. Trump has previously warned that if a ceasefire is not reached shortly, the US would broaden its offensive to include “obliterating” Iran’s power stations and fresh water plants, a threat legal scholars suggest could constitute war crimes.
Regional Expansion and Diplomatic Off-Ramps
As the war with Iran continues, the conflict is expanding geographically. Israel has stepped up attacks in Lebanon, a country it reinvaded this month. Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz stated that the military would occupy a swathe of southern Lebanon up to the Litani River, approximately 30km inside the border. Katz confirmed that Israeli forces would remain even after the current war with Hezbollah militants ended, and that Arab villages near the frontier would be demolished.
Amidst the escalation, diplomatic efforts are emerging from other quarters. Pakistan and China have released a joint five-part plan to negotiate an end to the war and reopen the Strait of Hormuz. It remains unclear if this proposal is linked to recent US diplomatic messaging through Pakistan, which maintains relations with both Washington and Tehran.
While European powers have largely failed to halt US and Israeli attacks, the recent moves by Spain, France, and Italy suggest a shift toward a more proactive, independent approach. As the White House prepares for the President’s address, the international community watches to see if the proposed timeline for ending operations will hold, or if the demand for allies to “take” oil by force will further destabilize the region.
What comes next remains uncertain, with the next confirmed checkpoint being the President’s scheduled address to the nation and the response from Iranian authorities regarding the proposed guarantees. We will continue to monitor the situation as it develops.
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