President Donald Trump has issued a stark warning that America will no longer assist Britain with energy security, urging Sir Keir Starmer to “go get your own oil” following the United Kingdom’s refusal to join military operations against Iran.
The extraordinary rebuke posted on Truth Social represents the starkest deterioration yet in transatlantic relations since hostilities commenced in the Middle East, with Mr Trump demanding Britain demonstrate “delayed courage” by independently securing petroleum supplies through the blocked Strait of Hormuz.
“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,” the President stated.
He proposed two options: purchasing American supplies or independently seizing control of the strategic waterway. “You’ll have to start learning how to fight for yourself, the USA won’t be there to help you anymore, just like you weren’t there for us,” Mr Trump declared.
The rebuke comes as Britain’s final confirmed jet fuel shipment from the Middle East approaches UK waters, with the Saudi Arabian cargo expected to dock on Thursday. No additional tankers have successfully navigated the Iranian blockade since Tehran closed the strait in response to American-Israeli strikes.
Mr Trump characterised Iran as “essentially decimated,” insisting Washington had completed the difficult military work whilst allies stood aside. “The hard part is done. Go get your own oil!” he concluded.
Fuel costs have surged dramatically since conflict erupted on 28 February, with crude prices remaining above $100 (£75) per barrel. Aviation fuel reached $4.24 (£3.21) per gallon last week compared to $2.50 (£1.89) before the first strikes commenced, according to Airlines for America data.
Britain currently sources at least half its jet fuel from Middle Eastern suppliers following reduced domestic refining capacity and the 2022 cessation of Russian imports after Moscow’s Ukraine invasion.
The President’s intervention marks an unprecedented public demand that traditional allies independently address energy security challenges previously mitigated through American military and diplomatic engagement.
Washington’s threat to withdraw support arrives as British households brace for substantial energy bill increases, with analysts projecting typical dual fuel costs will climb £288 annually from July when the price cap next adjusts.
Sir Keir has maintained Britain will provide only defensive assistance to American operations whilst refusing to join offensive strikes, a position Mr Trump clearly views as betrayal warranting abandonment of longstanding security commitments.
