US President Donald Trump on Thursday urged countries to either purchase oil from the United States or “go and get it” themselves from the Strait of Hormuz, as uncertainty deepens over global energy supplies following escalating tensions with Iran.
In a national address, Trump said nations dependent on Middle Eastern oil should consider alternative arrangements, including sourcing from the US, which he said has “plenty of it,” or securing access through the strategic maritime route.
“Countries can buy oil from the United States, or they can show some courage and go to the Strait and just get it,” Trump said, referring to the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for global oil shipments.
The remarks come at a time of heightened volatility in global energy markets, with fears that disruption in the Strait of Hormuz , through which a significant portion of the world’s oil supply passes ,could trigger price spikes and supply shortages. Analysts warn that any sustained disruption in the route could have far-reaching economic consequences, particularly for energy-importing nations in Asia and Europe.
STRAIT OF HORMUZ — KEY FACTS
Location:
The Strait of Hormuz lies between Iran and Oman, connecting the Persian Gulf with the Arabian Sea.
Global Importance:
It is one of the world’s most critical oil transit chokepoints. Around one-fifth of global petroleum liquids consumption passes through the strait.
Width and Navigation:
At its narrowest point, the strait is about 33 kilometres wide, with shipping lanes in each direction only a few kilometres wide.
Energy Flow:
Major oil producers including Saudi Arabia, Iraq, the UAE, Kuwait and Iran export crude oil through this route to global markets, especially Asia.
Strategic Sensitivity:
Any disruption, blockade or military tension in the strait can immediately impact global oil prices, shipping insurance and energy security.
Alternative Routes:
Limited pipeline alternatives exist, but they cannot fully replace the volume transported through the strait.
Geopolitical Context:
The strait has long been a focal point of tensions involving Iran, the United States and regional powers due to its strategic and economic significance.
Trump also made strong claims about the outcome of recent US military actions against Iran, stating that Iran’s naval and air capabilities had been effectively dismantled.
“Tonight, Iran’s Navy is gone, their Air Force is in ruins, and their leaders — most of them — and the terrorist regime they led are now dead,” he said, though independent verification of these claims was not immediately available.
The statement underscores a sharp escalation in rhetoric from Washington, with the US framing the conflict as a decisive military success while linking it directly to global energy security.
Energy experts say the Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world’s most strategically sensitive waterways, handling roughly a fifth of global oil trade. Any perception of instability in the region tends to rapidly influence international oil prices and shipping patterns.
Market participants are closely monitoring developments, with some shipping companies reportedly reassessing routes and insurance costs amid rising geopolitical risk.
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The US has in recent years positioned itself as a major energy exporter, particularly of crude oil and liquefied natural gas, and has sought to leverage this capacity in global markets.
Trump’s comments appeared to reinforce that position, while also signalling a shift toward a more unilateral approach to energy security, placing the onus on individual countries to secure their own supplies.
The situation has prompted renewed calls from international stakeholders for de-escalation and protection of key maritime routes, though no immediate diplomatic breakthrough has been reported.
The Strait of Hormuz, located between Iran and Oman, remains central to global energy flows, making stability in the region a critical concern for the international community.
