Thomas Moller-Nielsen
(EurActiv) — US officials are ramping up pressure on Europe to help Washington reopen the Strait of Hormuz amid fraying transatlantic ties over the continued US-Israeli war on Iran.
In a social media post on Tuesday, President Donald Trump said that US allies that have refused to participate in so-called Operation Epic Fury should consider military action to prise open the strategically crucial waterway.
“All of those countries that can’t get jet fuel because of the Strait of Hormuz… build up some delayed courage, go to the Strait, and just TAKE IT,” he wrote.
“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,” he added.
His remarks were later amplified by US Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth, who refused to confirm that reopening the Strait – which carried a fifth of global gas and oil supplies prior to the war’s onset on 28 February – is a core US strategic aim.
“This Strait of Hormuz issue… is not just a United States of America problem set,” Hegseth told reporters. “So, ultimately, I think other countries should pay attention when the president speaks.”
Trump’s remarks alarmed EU diplomats. “Apparently, in the eyes of Trump, it’s no longer: ‘If I break it, I fix it,’ but ‘I break it, and the EU will fix it,’” one said.
The comments came as Italy denied the use of an airbase in Sicily for US war planes involved in operations against Iran, the day after Spain – whose vocal opposition to the war has enraged Washington – closed its airspace to American aircraft involved in the conflict.
In a separate post on Tuesday, Trump accused France of being “very unhelpful” for allegedly refusing to allow Israel-bound planes carrying military material to fly over its territory. A French government spokesperson did not respond to a request for comment.
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