On March 31, 2026, US President Donald Trump addressed European allies on his social network, Truth Social, issuing a firm ultimatum regarding energy security. The president emphasized that countries, including the UK, facing a shortage of aviation fuel must either purchase resources directly from the United States or take military action in the Strait of Hormuz.
According to a report from the Wall Street Journal, Trump informed his aides of his readiness to phase down active operations against Iran within the next six weeks. Washington believes it has nearly achieved its primary objectives of weakening Tehran’s missile capabilities and naval forces. The US strategy going forward will focus on diplomatic pressure, while the physical safeguarding of trade flows will fall on regional partners.
The White House is officially distancing itself from the role of "global guarantor" of maritime navigation. According to Trump, it is time for European countries and Gulf monarchies to "learn to defend themselves," as the US no longer intends to provide military support to those unwilling to participate in neutralizing the Iranian threat. Responsibility for resuming commercial transit is now entirely placed on an international coalition without direct involvement from the American fleet.
France faced particularly sharp criticism for its ban on flights carrying military cargo for Israel over its territory. The US president reminded everyone of the successful removal of a key figure in the Iranian regime, describing Paris as "very unhelpful." Trump emphasized that Washington will "remember" this refusal when building future economic and defense relations with European leaders.