Iran-Israel War LIVE Updates: Trump urges countries to go to Strait of Hormuz and ‘just take it’
Tents at a temporary encampment for displaced people, amid escalating hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah, as the US-Israel conflict with Iran continues, in Beirut in Lebanon on Monday. Image credit/Reuters
Washington: President Donald Trump on Tuesday urged countries that did not help in the US-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 criticised France for not letting planes carrying military supplies to Israel fly over French territory. Reuters
Trump says nations upset by high fuel prices should ‘go get your own oil’
March 31, 2026 5:12 pm
Dubai: US President Donald Trump on Tuesday said nations upset by high fuel prices should “go get your own oil” as Iran maintains its chokehold on the Strait of Hormuz. Trump expressed his frustration towards allies that have been unwilling to help the US reopen the critical passageway in a social media post. “Go get your own oil,” Trump wrote. He also said they should buy from the US because “we have plenty”. His comments in a social media post on Tuesday came as average US gas prices shot past USD 4 a gallon. AP
China says three of its ships crossed Strait of Hormuz; thanks ‘relevant parties’
March 31, 2026 5:07 pm
Beijing: China on Tuesday said three of its ships carrying oil supplies have passed through the Strait of Hormuz and thanked “relevant parties” for facilitation and coordination. “After coordination with relevant parties, three Chinese ships recently transited the Strait of Hormuz. We express appreciation for the assistance of relevant parties,” Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning told a media briefing here without naming Iran, which is currently controlling the movement of oil shipments from the Gulf crossing the Strait. Iran is demanding international recognition of its sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz. The Strait of Hormuz and waters nearby are an important route for international goods and energy trade. China calls for an immediate end to hostilities to restore peace and stability in the Gulf, Mao said. This is the first time China, a large importer of Iranian oil for years despite US sanctions, spoke of its ships crossing the Strait of Hormuz amid reports that Iran is permitting the Chinese ships to cross the Strait in view of the close strategic ties. PTI
Gas prices soar past USD 4 for gallon of regular in US, highest since 2022
March 31, 2026 1:27 pm
US gas prices jumped past an average of USD 4 a gallon for the first time since 2022 as fuel prices continue to soar worldwide amid the Iran war.
European shares on track to snap 8-month winning streak as Mideast conflict weighs
March 31, 2026 1:25 pm
European stocks inched up on Tuesday as investors drew some comfort from hopes of de-escalation in the Middle East war, but the benchmark index was still set for its sharpest monthly decline since 2020 amid supply-chain disruptions.
3 Chinese ships pass through Strait of Hormuz, says Chinese ministry
March 31, 2026 1:22 pm
Three Chinese ships have recently passed through the Strait of Hormuz and China appreciates the assistance provided by the relevant parties, a spokesperson for the Chinese foreign ministry said on Tuesday.
Pakistani foreign minister to discuss Iran during China visit
March 31, 2026 12:49 pm
China’s foreign minister and his Pakistani counterpart will discuss the situation in Iran during the latter’s visit to China on Tuesday, China’s foreign ministry said. The two countries have similar positions on major international and regional issues, a spokesperson for the ministry said in a press briefing.
Peacekeepers killed in Lebanon as Israel battles Hezbollah
March 31, 2026 12:47 pm
The UN Security Council planned to convene an emergency session Tuesday after officials said three peacekeepers in southern Lebanon had been killed in less than 24 hours.
Eyes on Kharg Island as more US assault troops head to region
March 31, 2026 12:47 pm
Trump has said this week that “great progress is being made” in talks with Iran to end military operations. But he said if a deal is not reached “shortly,” and if the Strait of Hormuz is not immediately reopened, the US would broaden its offensive by “completely obliterating” power plants, oil wells, Kharg Island and possibly even desalination plants.
The US has also sent a contingent of 2,500 Marines to the region, and another is on its way, while ordering 1,000 paratroopers to the theatre as well. Trump has openly talked about the possibility of trying to seize Kharg Island, Iran’s main oil export hub, and Iran has accused the US of using diplomacy to stall until more troops can be brought in.
Israel, US launch new wave of strikes on Iran
March 31, 2026 12:46 pm
Israel and the US launched a new wave of strikes on Iran, hitting Tehran in the early morning hours.
Iranian launches new attacks on Gulf neighbours and hits oil tanker in Dubai waters
March 31, 2026 12:44 pm
Spot prices of Brent crude, the international standard, hovered around USD 107 a barrel in early trading, up more than 45% since the war started Feb 28 when the US and Israel attacked Iran.
Sri Lanka raises electricity tariffs, issues strict energy conserving guidelines
March 31, 2026 12:38 pm
Sri Lanka has decided to increase electricity prices with effect from April 1, the power authorities said.
Bonds under water, dollar is king
March 31, 2026 10:46 am
The threat of inflation has led investors to ramp up expectations for rate hikes across major central banks this year, which in turn hammered bonds. The Federal Reserve is now expected to keep rates on hold this year, compared with more than 50 basis points worth of easing priced in prior to the start of the war.
Brent crude set for record monthly gain; shares tentative as Iran war rages
March 31, 2026 10:45 am
Oil prices were set for a record monthly rise on Tuesday while Asian shares were headed for their steepest fall in six years, capping a tumultuous month as the war in the Middle East stoked fears of higher inflation and slower growth.
China, Hong Kong stocks set for worst month in over 2 years on Middle East unrest
March 31, 2026 10:40 am
China and Hong Kong stocks extended losses on Tuesday and were on track for their worst monthly loss since the beginning of 2024, as positive manufacturing data failed to offset investor caution over the Middle East conflict.
Oil, war top financial markets worry list for an uncertain 2nd quarter
March 31, 2026 10:37 am
Battered financial markets enter the second quarter significantly exposed to war headlines, a backdrop that could prompt a bigger retreat for equity markets while a hefty selloff in bonds could tempt buyers back. Even if a resolution to the conflict boosts near-term sentiment, damage inflicted on Middle East energy infrastructure and higher for longer oil prices will still hurt economic growth and drive up inflation, investors expect.
New Trump threat to oblierate Iran energy, oil plants
March 31, 2026 10:34 am
Soon after Baghaei’s remarks, Trump said the U.S. was in talks with a “more reasonable regime” to end the war in Iran, but also issued a new warning over the Strait of Hormuz.
Troops deploy as talks continue
March 31, 2026 8:34 am
Attacks by both sides is showing no signs of easing, with fears of a wider conflict growing.
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