Washington: US President Donald Trump on Tuesday criticized Britain for not participating in the joint US-Israeli offensive against Iran and accused France of obstructing military operations by denying overflight rights to supply aircraft headed to Israel.
According to Anadolu Agency, Trump took to his social media platform, Truth Social, suggesting that the UK and other nations that are experiencing jet fuel shortages due to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz should source their fuel from the US. He urged these countries to "build up some delayed courage, go to the Strait, and just TAKE IT."
Trump criticized these nations for not supporting the US during the ongoing conflict with Iran, stating, "You'll have to start learning how to fight for yourself, the U.S.A. won't be there to help you anymore." He emphasized that Iran's power had been significantly reduced, adding, "The hard part is done. Go get your own oil."
In another post, Trump expressed his discontent with France, calling them "VERY UNHELPFUL" for their actions during the February 28 airstrikes that led to the death of Iran's then-Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei. He noted, "The Country of France wouldn't let planes headed to Israel, loaded up with military supplies, fly over French territory. . The U.S.A. will REMEMBER."
Despite these criticisms, Trump told CBS News that the US would continue to support its allies, though he expressed frustration over their lack of initiative. He criticized NATO, describing it as "terrible," and suggested that the threat at the Strait of Hormuz was no longer significant.
Trump mentioned that the US military presence near the strait is still intact but hinted that allied nations would eventually need to take on more responsibility. He stated, "Countries have to come in and take care of it."
The military operation, now in its fifth week, is reportedly ahead of schedule, with Trump noting the US is approximately two weeks ahead of the initial four- to six-week timeline. He suggested that "not much" more was needed before declaring victory, highlighting a total regime change in Iran as a key achievement. Trump described the new leadership as "more reasonable" than their predecessors.
When asked about the removal of Iran's enriched uranium stockpile as a condition for victory, Trump was vague, explaining that the uranium was buried so deep that even Iran had been unable to access it before the conflict. "Even without a war they haven't been able to do it," he remarked.
Iran's uranium stockpile, estimated at about 450 kilograms enriched to 60%, remains buried beneath nuclear sites targeted in a previous US operation. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi confirmed that the material is "under the rubble" with no immediate plans for retrieval.
The US-Israeli strikes on Iran have resulted in over 1,340 fatalities. In retaliation, Tehran has launched drone and missile attacks targeting Israel and other countries in the region, including Jordan, Iraq, and Gulf states hosting US military assets. These counterattacks have caused casualties, infrastructure damage, and disruptions to global markets and aviation.