President Trump Tells Allies to “Just Take” the Strait of Hormuz, Declares End of U.S. Military Protection for Non-Cooperating Nations

President Trump urges the UK and others to "just take" the Strait of Hormuz, stating the U.S. will no longer protect those who didn't join the fight against Iran.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 31, 2026, 8:04 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from Reuters and Truth Social (Official Statements).

The "Decapitation" of Iran and the Shift in U.S. Policy

President Trump’s remarks on Truth Social follow a period of intense military activity, which he characterized as the "decapitation" and "decimation" of Iran. With the U.S. having completed the primary phases of Operation Roaring Lion, the President is now shifting his focus toward the economic and military responsibilities of global allies. By declaring that the "hard part is done," Trump is signaling a strategic withdrawal from the role of global maritime "policeman," specifically in the Strait of Hormuz—the world's most critical oil chokepoint.

Targeting the United Kingdom and "Delayed Courage"

The President singled out the United Kingdom for its refusal to join the U.S.-led coalition in recent weeks. Despite the UK's historical "Special Relationship" with Washington, Trump criticized London’s lack of involvement in the kinetic phase of the conflict. He mocked the British government for its current struggles to secure jet fuel, suggesting they "build up some delayed courage" and take unilateral military action to open the Strait. This rhetoric marks a significant low point in Transatlantic relations, as the President explicitly links military protection to active participation in U.S. combat operations.

A Two-Pronged Economic and Military Mandate

Trump offered two clear paths for nations currently suffering from energy supply disruptions: