March
31, 2026
US President Donald Trump has sharply rebuked allies that refused to take part in the war on Iran, singling out the United Kingdom and urging them to secure their own access to energy supplies.
In a message posted on Truth Social, Trump said countries that “refused to get involved in the decapitation of Iran” should “build up some delayed courage” and “go to the Strait, and just TAKE IT.” He framed the issue directly in terms of energy access, suggesting that countries struggling with fuel shortages should act independently rather than rely on Washington.
He added that allies would now have to operate without US support, stating that “you’ll have to start learning how to fight for yourself, the U.S.A. won’t be there to help you anymore,” before concluding with a blunt directive: “Go get your own oil!”
The remarks, reported on March 31, come amid mounting tensions around the Strait of Hormuz and reflect growing fractures within Western alliances. The United Kingdom was the only country explicitly named in Trump’s message, underscoring the pressure being placed on partners that have remained outside the direct military campaign.
The comments also followed reports that Washington could consider ending the war even if Iran maintains control over the strategic waterway, suggesting a shift in both military and political calculations as the conflict enters its second month.
Pentagon Signals Intensified Strikes and Decisive War Phase
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth indicated that the war is entering what he described as a “decisive” phase, while emphasizing that military operations are continuing to expand.
Speaking at a press conference alongside Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Dan Caine, Hegseth confirmed that he had made an unannounced visit to US forces in the region, including time spent at CENTCOM. “We were on the ground… for about half the day,” he said, describing the visit as “an honor.”
He stressed that US military capabilities are increasing, stating that “American firepower is only increasing. Iran’s is decreasing,” and that Washington now has “more and more options” at its disposal. According to Hegseth, US forces conducted 200 “dynamic strikes” in a single night.
At the same time, he reiterated that the United States is still seeking a negotiated outcome, saying, “We want that deal to be accomplished, if at all possible. If not, then we’re prepared to continue.”
Hegseth also underscored that no military option has been ruled out, including the deployment of ground forces. “We’re not going to foreclose any option,” he said, adding that multiple operational scenarios remain under consideration.
Gen. Caine, for his part, said that US forces have struck more than 11,000 targets over the past month and have significantly degraded Iran’s ability to project military power, while urging Tehran to “carefully consider” diplomatic options.
Strait of Hormuz Disruption Sends Global Markets Reeling
The disruption of the Strait of Hormuz is now producing severe economic consequences, with ripple effects across global energy markets and regional economies.
A recent analysis by the Türkiye Energy Strategies and Policies Research Center (TESPAM) estimates that Gulf countries have suffered losses exceeding $50 billion since the escalation began, as oil exports dropped sharply and trade routes were disrupted. The report found that shipments declined by more than 36 percent within weeks, describing the situation as one of the most severe supply shocks in modern history.
The Strait, which carries a significant share of global oil and gas flows, has become the central pressure point in the conflict. Reduced traffic has directly impacted the primary revenue streams of Gulf economies, while also disrupting liquefied natural gas exports and broader trade networks.
According to the analysis, the fallout has extended far beyond the region, affecting supply chains, financial markets, and transportation sectors. Major Asian economies, including China and India, which rely heavily on Gulf energy imports, have been particularly exposed to the disruption.
The report also noted that the crisis is accelerating structural shifts in global energy flows, with alternative routes and suppliers gaining importance as traditional shipments through the Strait remain constrained.
Europe Warned of Prolonged Fuel Supply Crisis Risks
European officials have warned that the ongoing war could trigger a prolonged disruption in fuel supplies, urging member states to prepare for sustained instability.
In a message addressed to EU energy ministers, Energy Commissioner Dan Jorgensen called on governments to take precautionary measures in response to potential supply interruptions linked to attacks on energy infrastructure and the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz.
Jorgensen noted that while the immediate impact on European supply remains limited, intensifying global competition over available resources could lead to significant volatility in energy markets.
He also stressed the importance of reducing demand and warned against policies that could increase fuel consumption under current conditions.
The warning reflects growing concern within Europe that the economic consequences of the war could extend well beyond the Middle East, affecting household energy costs, industrial production, and overall economic stability.
Tehran Rejects Missile Claims and Urges Regional Unity
Iran has categorically rejected reports that it launched missiles toward Turkish territory, describing the claims as false and politically motivated.
Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said the reports were “completely baseless” and warned that such narratives are intended to undermine relations between neighboring countries and disrupt regional stability.
Speaking during a phone call with his Turkish counterpart, Araghchi reaffirmed Iran’s commitment to respecting Turkey’s sovereignty and said Tehran is ready to cooperate in verifying any allegations.
He also criticized ongoing US and Israeli actions, describing attacks on infrastructure, including schools and energy facilities, as violations of international law. According to Al Mayadeen, he warned that public threats against Iranian production facilities constitute a “criminal threat” and a disregard for humanitarian principles.
Araghchi further called on regional states, particularly those bordering the Caspian Sea, to adopt a firm stance against the escalation and to prevent further destabilization of the region.
UN Condemns Deadly Attacks on Peacekeepers in Lebanon
The United Nations has strongly condemned recent deadly incidents involving its peacekeeping forces in southern Lebanon, warning that such attacks may constitute war crimes.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said that “no one should ever have to die serving the cause of peace,” following the killing of peacekeepers.
According to statements cited by Anadolu Agency, the incidents mark the second fatal attack in a single day, highlighting the deteriorating security environment in the region.
Guterres emphasized that attacks on peacekeepers are “grave violations of international humanitarian law” and called for full accountability, while urging all parties to uphold their obligations and ensure the safety of UN personnel.
The UN also renewed calls for immediate de-escalation and adherence to Security Council Resolution 1701, as tensions along the Lebanese front continue to rise.
Trump rebukes allies, US
escalates strikes, Hormuz crisis deepens, Tehran rejects claims, and regional
tensions continue expanding rapidly.
Sections
- Trump Escalates Pressure on Allies Over Hormuz Crisis.
- Pentagon Signals Intensified Strikes and Decisive War Phase.
- Strait of Hormuz Disruption Sends Global Markets Reeling.
- Europe Warned of Prolonged Fuel Supply Crisis Risks.
- Tehran Rejects Missile Claims and Urges Regional Unity.
- UN Condemns Deadly Attacks on Peacekeepers in Lebanon.
US President Donald Trump has sharply rebuked allies that refused to take part in the war on Iran, singling out the United Kingdom and urging them to secure their own access to energy supplies.
In a message posted on Truth Social, Trump said countries that “refused to get involved in the decapitation of Iran” should “build up some delayed courage” and “go to the Strait, and just TAKE IT.” He framed the issue directly in terms of energy access, suggesting that countries struggling with fuel shortages should act independently rather than rely on Washington.
He added that allies would now have to operate without US support, stating that “you’ll have to start learning how to fight for yourself, the U.S.A. won’t be there to help you anymore,” before concluding with a blunt directive: “Go get your own oil!”
The remarks, reported on March 31, come amid mounting tensions around the Strait of Hormuz and reflect growing fractures within Western alliances. The United Kingdom was the only country explicitly named in Trump’s message, underscoring the pressure being placed on partners that have remained outside the direct military campaign.
The comments also followed reports that Washington could consider ending the war even if Iran maintains control over the strategic waterway, suggesting a shift in both military and political calculations as the conflict enters its second month.
Pentagon Signals Intensified Strikes and Decisive War Phase
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth indicated that the war is entering what he described as a “decisive” phase, while emphasizing that military operations are continuing to expand.
Speaking at a press conference alongside Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Dan Caine, Hegseth confirmed that he had made an unannounced visit to US forces in the region, including time spent at CENTCOM. “We were on the ground… for about half the day,” he said, describing the visit as “an honor.”
He stressed that US military capabilities are increasing, stating that “American firepower is only increasing. Iran’s is decreasing,” and that Washington now has “more and more options” at its disposal. According to Hegseth, US forces conducted 200 “dynamic strikes” in a single night.
At the same time, he reiterated that the United States is still seeking a negotiated outcome, saying, “We want that deal to be accomplished, if at all possible. If not, then we’re prepared to continue.”
Hegseth also underscored that no military option has been ruled out, including the deployment of ground forces. “We’re not going to foreclose any option,” he said, adding that multiple operational scenarios remain under consideration.
Gen. Caine, for his part, said that US forces have struck more than 11,000 targets over the past month and have significantly degraded Iran’s ability to project military power, while urging Tehran to “carefully consider” diplomatic options.
Strait of Hormuz Disruption Sends Global Markets Reeling
The disruption of the Strait of Hormuz is now producing severe economic consequences, with ripple effects across global energy markets and regional economies.
A recent analysis by the Türkiye Energy Strategies and Policies Research Center (TESPAM) estimates that Gulf countries have suffered losses exceeding $50 billion since the escalation began, as oil exports dropped sharply and trade routes were disrupted. The report found that shipments declined by more than 36 percent within weeks, describing the situation as one of the most severe supply shocks in modern history.
The Strait, which carries a significant share of global oil and gas flows, has become the central pressure point in the conflict. Reduced traffic has directly impacted the primary revenue streams of Gulf economies, while also disrupting liquefied natural gas exports and broader trade networks.
According to the analysis, the fallout has extended far beyond the region, affecting supply chains, financial markets, and transportation sectors. Major Asian economies, including China and India, which rely heavily on Gulf energy imports, have been particularly exposed to the disruption.
The report also noted that the crisis is accelerating structural shifts in global energy flows, with alternative routes and suppliers gaining importance as traditional shipments through the Strait remain constrained.
Europe Warned of Prolonged Fuel Supply Crisis Risks
European officials have warned that the ongoing war could trigger a prolonged disruption in fuel supplies, urging member states to prepare for sustained instability.
In a message addressed to EU energy ministers, Energy Commissioner Dan Jorgensen called on governments to take precautionary measures in response to potential supply interruptions linked to attacks on energy infrastructure and the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz.
Jorgensen noted that while the immediate impact on European supply remains limited, intensifying global competition over available resources could lead to significant volatility in energy markets.
He also stressed the importance of reducing demand and warned against policies that could increase fuel consumption under current conditions.
The warning reflects growing concern within Europe that the economic consequences of the war could extend well beyond the Middle East, affecting household energy costs, industrial production, and overall economic stability.
Tehran Rejects Missile Claims and Urges Regional Unity
Iran has categorically rejected reports that it launched missiles toward Turkish territory, describing the claims as false and politically motivated.
Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said the reports were “completely baseless” and warned that such narratives are intended to undermine relations between neighboring countries and disrupt regional stability.
Speaking during a phone call with his Turkish counterpart, Araghchi reaffirmed Iran’s commitment to respecting Turkey’s sovereignty and said Tehran is ready to cooperate in verifying any allegations.
He also criticized ongoing US and Israeli actions, describing attacks on infrastructure, including schools and energy facilities, as violations of international law. According to Al Mayadeen, he warned that public threats against Iranian production facilities constitute a “criminal threat” and a disregard for humanitarian principles.
Araghchi further called on regional states, particularly those bordering the Caspian Sea, to adopt a firm stance against the escalation and to prevent further destabilization of the region.
UN Condemns Deadly Attacks on Peacekeepers in Lebanon
The United Nations has strongly condemned recent deadly incidents involving its peacekeeping forces in southern Lebanon, warning that such attacks may constitute war crimes.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said that “no one should ever have to die serving the cause of peace,” following the killing of peacekeepers.
According to statements cited by Anadolu Agency, the incidents mark the second fatal attack in a single day, highlighting the deteriorating security environment in the region.
Guterres emphasized that attacks on peacekeepers are “grave violations of international humanitarian law” and called for full accountability, while urging all parties to uphold their obligations and ensure the safety of UN personnel.
The UN also renewed calls for immediate de-escalation and adherence to Security Council Resolution 1701, as tensions along the Lebanese front continue to rise.
No comments:
Post a Comment