Donald Trump has launched an extraordinary tirade against the UK, telling Britain to 'get your own oil' and warning that the US 'won't be there to help you any more'. The US president criticised allies who did not take part in strikes against Iran, saying they should reopen the Strait of Hormuz themselves now that the US had 'done the hard part'.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump said countries like the UK, which 'refused to get involved in the decapitation of Iran', should 'build up some delayed courage, go to the Strait, and just TAKE IT'. He added: 'You'll have to start learning how to fight for yourself, the U.S.A. won't be there to help you anymore.'
The comments came as Buckingham Palace confirmed that King Charles and Queen Camilla will go ahead with a state visit to Washington later in April, despite calls for postponement due to the conflict. Britain is deploying extra troops to the Middle East, bringing its military presence in the region to around 1,000.
Defence Secretary John Healey, visiting Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Bahrain, said 'Britain's best' were helping to protect partners and allies. He noted that Gulf leaders 'underline how valued Britain's defensive help is – and they also underline the fact that they judge us by our actions and not our words'.
Iran has imposed a de facto blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, causing energy prices to surge. Some ships have been allowed through a 'tollbooth' system, paying up to $2m per voyage. Meanwhile, an Iranian drone attack set alight an oil tanker off Dubai, carrying 2 million barrels of oil.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer chaired a Cobra crisis committee to consider the impact on British households. Costs for homes reliant on heating oil have soared, prompting a £53m support package. Sir Keir has previously clashed with Trump over the conflict, including a U-turn to allow US use of RAF bases for defensive purposes.
