US President Donald Trump sharply criticized European allies for failing to support the bombing campaign carried out by the United States and Israel against Iran. He ruled out direct US intervention to unblock the Strait of Hormuz, urging other nations to take responsibility.
In social media posts on Tuesday, Trump told other countries to “get your own oil” and “learn to fight for yourselves.” He singled out France and United Kingdom for criticism, accusing the UK of refusing to participate in actions against Iran and labeling France as “very unhelpful” for blocking overflights of military aircraft headed to Israel.
Speaking to journalists at the White House, Trump said the US would not intervene to clear the Strait of Hormuz. “This isn’t our responsibility. It will be for France, or whoever is using the strait,” he said, adding that China should also take action to ensure the free flow of Gulf oil and gas.
Read more about this topic: Iran War: US “will soon regain control” of Hormuz (with video)
European countries have also taken measures independent of US operations. Spain barred U.S. forces from using its bases and airspace for operations targeting Iran, citing violations of international law. Similarly,
Italy denied US bombers access to the Sigonella base in Sicily due to missing authorizations and non-compliance with bilateral agreements, though Defense Minister Guido Crosetto emphasized that relations with the US remain strong and well-understood under existing protocols.
