Trump's Extraordinary Five-Word Blast at UK Amid Global Fuel Crisis
Donald Trump has launched a furious attack on Britain, telling allies to "get your own oil" as he distances himself from the deepening Middle East crisis he helped create. The US President's remarks came via a combative post on Truth Social, where he singled out the United Kingdom amid tightening global fuel supplies.
King Charles Proceeds with Controversial US Visit
Despite Trump's stark rebuke of the Special Relationship, Buckingham Palace has confirmed that King Charles and Queen Camilla will proceed with their state visit to the United States next month. The visit is expected to include a state dinner at the White House and an address by the King to Congress marking the 250th anniversary of American independence.
The decision has drawn immediate criticism from political opponents. Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey called it a "humiliation" to send the monarch while "Donald Trump treats our country with contempt."
Trump's Iran War Triggers Global Fuel Shortages
Trump's military action against Iran has triggered a global fuel crisis, with the Strait of Hormuz becoming a critical choke point. In his social media post, the President claimed he had already done "the hard part" by launching military action against Iran, insisting it was now up to allies to deal with the consequences by reopening the vital shipping route.
The US leader boasted that America has "plenty" of jet fuel and suggested European nations should simply buy supplies from the United States, despite global markets dictating prices. He specifically targeted Britain, stating: "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."
UK Faces Immediate Aviation Fuel Crisis
The comments came as the UK faces mounting concern over aviation fuel shortages. The last known shipment from the Middle East is expected to arrive within 48 hours, with the Libyan-flagged Maetiga vessel due to dock from Saudi Arabia on Thursday. No other tankers bound for the UK have successfully transited the Strait of Hormuz since Iran began blocking the route.
Britain relies on the Middle East for at least half of its jet fuel imports, following a decline in domestic refining capacity and the cessation of Russian imports after the Ukraine invasion in 2022. This dependence has now left the UK exposed to a crisis triggered by a conflict it did not initiate and declined to join.
Economic Fallout Intensifies Across Britain
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer is expected to convene another emergency Cobra meeting today amid intensifying economic fallout. Motorists are already feeling the strain, with diesel and petrol prices climbing to their highest levels since 2022. New figures from the RAC reveal that the cost of filling a typical family car with diesel has exceeded £100 for the first time in more than three years.
Forecasts suggest household energy bills could rise by £288 in July when the Ofgem price cap is next reviewed. The wider economic risks are also mounting:
- Fertiliser shortages threaten to drive up food prices
- Disruption to aluminium supplies could hit manufacturing
- Jet fuel prices have surged from $2.50 to $4.24 a gallon in weeks
- Analysts warn of potential shortages at major European hubs within days
US Defence Secretary Piles Pressure on Allies
Trump appeared to be joined in his attack on the UK by his Secretary of Defence, Pete Hegseth, who gave a briefing today. Speaking of the Strait of Hormuz, Hegseth said: "I think the president was clear this morning in his Truth that there are countries around the world who ought to be prepared to step up on this critical waterway as well. 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."
The tone of their intervention underlined growing concern about the coherence of US strategy. Having launched a conflict that has destabilised one of the world's most critical energy supplies, Trump is now urging allies to resolve the disruption themselves while simultaneously claiming victory.
Regional Conflict Widens as Risks Escalate
The risks to global shipping were highlighted by an attack on a Kuwaiti oil tanker off Dubai, where authorities said a fully laden vessel had been set ablaze by a drone strike. Although no spill was reported, the incident has heightened fears over the security of maritime routes.
Israel has also expanded its military operations, moving into southern Lebanon in a bid to push back Iran-backed Hezbollah forces, further widening the regional conflict triggered by the initial strikes. Reform UK leader Nigel Farage described attempting to interpret the White House's intentions as a "mug's game," reflecting broader uncertainty about US objectives.
Industry figures suggest around 40 percent of Europe's jet fuel passes through the Strait of Hormuz, leaving airlines highly exposed to prolonged disruption. Carriers are now preparing contingency plans, including additional refuelling stops, as the situation continues to deteriorate.
