President Donald Trump directed harsh criticism toward European allies on Tuesday, demanding they “go get your own oil” as the ongoing military conflict with Iran has driven American gasoline prices beyond $4 per gallon.
Trump’s sharp social media remarks followed recent U.S. military strikes against a city housing one of Iran’s primary nuclear facilities, creating a massive explosion visible from space, while Tehran retaliated by attacking an oil tanker from Kuwait in the Persian Gulf.
The escalating military actions demonstrate how intense the warfare has become more than 30 days after American and Israeli forces initiated the campaign. The fighting has resulted in over 3,000 casualties and severely disrupted global energy supplies, creating chaos in international markets.
Earlier, Trump had posted video footage showing the strike on Isfahan, a central Iranian city that houses one of three uranium enrichment facilities targeted by U.S. forces in June. Intelligence experts suspect much of Iran’s weapons-grade nuclear material is stored at this location.
Energy Markets in Turmoil
Iran’s control over the Strait of Hormuz – a critical shipping channel that normally handles 20% of global oil transportation – has caused dramatic price increases worldwide, along with Tehran’s systematic attacks on energy facilities throughout the region. These disruptions have created volatility in international stock exchanges and increased costs for essential consumer products.
Brent crude oil, the global benchmark, reached approximately $107 per barrel on Tuesday, representing a surge of more than 45% since military operations commenced on February 28.
Trump specifically blamed European partners including Britain and France for declining to participate in a military campaign they claim lacks clear objectives and was launched without their input.
“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. Iran has been, essentially, decimated. The hard part is done. Go get your own oil!” Trump posted online.
He particularly criticized France for blocking aircraft carrying military equipment to Israel from using French airspace, calling the nation “VERY UNHELPFUL” and warning “The U.S.A. will REMEMBER!!!”
European Nations Restrict Military Support
French military officials previously stated they permitted American Air Force operations at the Istres facility in southern France only after receiving assurances that aircraft involved in combat missions would not use the base.
Spain, which has become Europe’s most vocal opponent of the military campaign, announced Monday it was prohibiting U.S. military aircraft connected to the conflict from entering Spanish airspace.
Italy has also denied American forces access to the Sigonella air base in Sicily for operations related to the Middle East offensive, according to a knowledgeable official who confirmed earlier media reports.
The restriction was implemented several days ago and affected U.S. aircraft, including bomber squadrons, that were scheduled to refuel at the facility before continuing to the Middle East theater, said the official, who requested anonymity due to lack of authorization for public statements.
Italian government representatives later emphasized that their partnership with America remains “solid and based on full and loyal cooperation.”
Latest Military Operations Target Iranian Infrastructure
American and Israeli forces conducted fresh strikes against Iran, hitting the capital Tehran during early morning hours. Israeli military officials also announced new attacks against what they characterized as Hezbollah facilities in Beirut.
Video footage Trump distributed appeared to document a major assault on Isfahan, with NASA satellite monitoring systems detecting explosions in mountainous terrain south of the city. Iranian authorities have not acknowledged the attack occurred.
Satellite imagery captured before June’s military operations indicates Tehran moved a truck containing highly enriched uranium to a nuclear installation approximately 20 kilometers (12 miles) from Tuesday’s strike locations.
Intelligence analysts believe the vehicle – shown in images entering an underground tunnel while carrying 18 blue storage containers – likely transported most or all of Iran’s uranium stockpile enriched to 60% purity. This level represents a brief technical step away from weapons-grade concentrations.
Trump issued warnings this week that without a ceasefire agreement “shortly” and reopening of the strait, America would expand military operations to include attacks on the Kharg Island oil export terminal and potentially water desalination infrastructure.
During a Pentagon briefing, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth declined to specify whether U.S. ground troops would join the conflict.
“We don’t want to have to do more militarily than we have to,” he stated. “But I didn’t mean it flippantly when I said, in the meantime, we’ll negotiate with bombs.”
