Newshour President Trump urges countries to 'go get their own oil' from the Strait of Hormuz
Mar 31, 2026
Lord Peter Ricketts, former British diplomat and ex-national security advisor, and Jeremy Bowen, BBC international editor and seasoned foreign affairs journalist, discuss US aims in the conflict with Iran. They cover Iran's leverage over the Strait of Hormuz, shifting US strategy and regional security calculations. The conversation also touches on prospects for negotiation and wider Gulf responses.
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Trump's 'Go Get Your Own Oil' Signals US Frustration
- President Trump publicly told allies to "go get their own oil" and suggested the US would no longer help, framing withdrawal as a result of perceived lack of allied support.
- Jeremy Bowen and Peter Ricketts say this rhetoric signals US frustration and a possible political preparation to walk away despite ongoing conflicts and Iran's continued capacity to strike back.
Talks With Iran Are Real But Far Apart
- Negotiations between the US and Iran are reported as 'very real' by US officials but Bowen and Ricketts stress public objectives remain far apart, making a bridge unlikely.
- Both analysts suggest the US may seek an exit framed as victory rather than a negotiated settlement due to domestic pressures like rising fuel prices.
Iran Could Monetize Control Of The Strait Of Hormuz
- If the US withdraws while the Strait of Hormuz remains controlled by Iran, that control becomes a lasting strategic and economic lever for Tehran.
- Peter Ricketts warns Iran can monetize passage, charge tolls, and Gulf states may diversify away from sole US reliance.