Amna Nawaz
@PBSNewsHour·5.3M subscribers·62.2K videos
WATCH: Trump tells countries reliant on Strait of Hormuz to ‘just take it’
Posted
April 2, 2026
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April 2, 2026
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1:59Now PlayingWhile making his case to Americans on the Iran war, President Donald Trump urged countries that receive oil via the Strait of Hormuz, a key shipping route for the world's oil and gas supply, to “grab it and cherish it.”
The critical passageway has become a focal point since the U.S. and Israel launched strikes against Iran on Feb. 28. Iran’s threats and response to the attacks, including targeting surrounding Gulf nations, have nearly halted oil tankers from going through the strait.
The countries that receive oil through the strait “should take the lead in protecting the oil that they so desperately depend on,” Trump said, echoing previous statements as the conflict enters its fifth week.
His message to these countries: “No. 1: Buy oil from the United States of America. We have so much. No. 2: Build up some delayed courage — should have done it before, should have done it with us — go to the strait and just take it.”
Trump said Iran has been “essentially decimated.”
“The hard part is done, so it should be easy,” he added.
Trump addressed the nation in a prime-time address Wednesday for the first time since the U.S. and Israel launched strikes against Iran. As the conflict has dragged on, polls have shown majorities of Americans opposing the war, though Republicans remain largely supportive, and growing concerns about rising oil prices and affordability.
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