Trump urges countries to go to Strait of Hormuz and 'just take it'

WASHINGTON - President Donald Trump on Tuesday urged countries that did not help in the U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran to buy American oil and go to the Strait of Hormuz and "just TAKE it."

Trump singled out Britain and France as unhelpful in the month-long war that has roiled global markets, driven up energy prices and seen Iran effectively close oil tanker traffic through the Strait.

"All of those countries that can’t get jet fuel because of the Strait of Hormuz, like the United Kingdom, which refused to get involved in the decapitation of Iran, I have a suggestion for you: Number 1, buy from the U.S., we have plenty, and Number 2, build up some delayed courage, go to the Strait, and just TAKE IT," Trump said in a Truth Social post.

"You’ll have to start learning how to fight for yourself, the U.S.A. won’t be there to help you anymore, just like you weren’t there for us.

"The hard part is done. Go get your own oil!"

He also criticized France for not letting planes carrying military supplies to Israel fly over French territory.

-Reporting by Doina Chiacu and Susan Heavey; Editing by Bernadette Baum and Louise Heavens/Reuters