Amid rising tensions in West Asia, Donald Trump has said nations struggling with fuel shortages due to Iran’s blockade of the Strait of Hormuz have two options: source energy from the United States or take action to secure passage themselves.

In a strongly worded social media message, Trump criticised allied nations that declined to participate in recent US military operations targeting Iran. Referring specifically to the United Kingdom, he suggested countries facing jet fuel shortages should either purchase American supplies — which he said are abundant — or muster the resolve to secure access through the strategic waterway on their own.

The Strait of Hormuz, a narrow maritime corridor responsible for transporting roughly one-fifth of the world’s oil, was blocked by Iran shortly after the US launched limited strikes on February 28. The disruption has rattled global energy markets, with crude prices reportedly surging past $100 per barrel from previous levels near $75.

Despite repeated warnings to Tehran, Washington has so far been unable to restore normal shipping through the passage. The US has urged partner nations to contribute naval forces to safeguard the route, but major allies have yet to commit.

Trump intensified his remarks by saying affected countries would need to “learn to fight for themselves,” adding that the US would not automatically step in to assist those that did not support its actions.

He also claimed that Iran’s capabilities had been significantly weakened and suggested that nations dependent on Gulf oil should now secure their own supplies.

The comments come as reports indicate that an Iranian parliamentary panel has cleared a proposal to impose transit fees on vessels using the Strait of Hormuz, payable in Iran’s local currency. The reported measure could also restrict ships connected to the US or Israel and deny entry to vessels from countries enforcing unilateral sanctions on Tehran.

Earlier this week, Trump warned that American forces could target Iran’s energy infrastructure if Tehran refuses to negotiate and reopen the strait. He specifically mentioned the possibility of renewed action against Kharg Island, a key hub for Iranian oil exports.

The The White House has said the administration is seeking a resolution before an April 6 deadline tied to reopening the waterway. However, a report by The Wall Street Journal suggested Trump may consider ending the current military campaign even if shipping through Hormuz remains restricted, leaving a broader reopening effort for later.

Tehran has dismissed Washington’s proposals as unreasonable and continues to launch missile and drone strikes targeting Israel and US-linked assets in the Gulf. Iranian officials have also warned of further escalation, including potential ground operations in neighbouring Gulf states and mining parts of the Persian Gulf if US troops enter Iranian territory.