Strait of Hormuz Picture Credit: Gallo Images/Getty Images
US President Donald Trump has urged nations dependent on Middle Eastern oil to take charge of securing the Strait of Hormuz, warning that recent disruptions linked to Iran have driven up global fuel prices.
In a televised address on Wednesday night (local time), Trump attributed rising petrol costs to what he described as ‘reckless attacks’ by Iran on commercial oil tankers and neighbouring states uninvolved in the conflict. He said such actions had heightened risks to global energy supplies and reinforced concerns over Tehran’s intentions, particularly regarding nuclear capabilities.
The US President made it clear that the United States would not shoulder the responsibility of safeguarding critical maritime routes alone. He called on countries reliant on oil shipments through the strait to actively protect it, stressing that many had remained on the sidelines during the ongoing tensions.
Trump suggested a two-fold approach, urging nations to purchase more energy from the United States and to strengthen their resolve in defending vital shipping lanes. He maintained that disruptions in the region would be temporary and linked to the duration of the conflict, adding that normalcy would return once hostilities subsided.
Highlighting America’s domestic energy strength, Trump stated that the US remains the world’s leading producer of oil and gas, claiming output surpasses that of Saudi Arabia and Russia combined. He also pointed to supplies from Venezuela as contributing to reduced reliance on Middle Eastern imports.
Trump said the US is largely energy independent, importing little oil via the Strait of Hormuz.
Disruptions there, a key global oil route, could affect markets worldwide, hitting countries like India that rely on Gulf crude.
Also Read: US President Donald Trump Warns Iran Of ‘Stone Age’ Action
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