President Donald Trump gave NATO allies a stark ultimatum during his national address on Wednesday night.
The speech was the first address Trump has given since the war in Iran started about five weeks ago. Trump addressed the progress of the war and claimed the U.S. is “nearing completion” of its objectives. He also told NATO allies that they have two choices to make when it comes to reopening the Strait of Hormuz, a waterway that Iran has effectively shut down in retaliation for the continued bombing strikes.
European countries account for roughly 4% of the oil imports and 10% of liquified natural gas imports that pass through the Strait of Hormuz, according to data from the International Energy Agency.
“The United States does not import any oil through the Hormuz Strait, and we won’t be taking any in the future,” Trump said. “We don’t need it. We have completely decimated Iran, both militarily and economically, and every other way.”
“The countries that do receive oil through the Strait must take care of that passage; they must cherish it,” he continued. “They must grab it and cherish it. They can do it easily. We will be helpful, but they should take the lead in defending the oil that they so desperately depend on.”
“So, to those countries who refused to get involved in the decapitation of Iran – we had to do it ourselves – I have a suggestion: number one, buy oil from the United States. We have plenty. We have so much. And number two, build up some delayed courage … and take it, protect it, and use it for yourselves.”
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