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Strait of Hormuz updates: What Trump said about US oil reliance, ‘We don’t need…’
Trump addressed tensions with Iran, downplaying US reliance on the Strait of Hormuz.
The Strait of Hormuz has emerged as a flashpoint again after Donald Trump addressed the nation amid escalating tensions with Iran, making claims about the United States’ dependence on the critical oil route.
In his speech, Trump sought to downplay the Strait’s importance to the US, stating: “We don’t need it. We haven’t needed it, and we don’t need it.”
He added that the US imports “almost no oil” through the passage and suggested it would not rely on it in the future.
Trump shifts responsibility
A major part of Trump’s remarks focused on urging other countries, especially those heavily dependent on Gulf oil, to secure the Strait themselves.
“The countries of the world that do receive oil through the Hormuz Strait must take care of that passage. They must cherish it,” he said, adding, “They must grab it and cherish it.”
Calling for action, Trump said: “Go to the strait and just take it, protect it. Use it for yourselves.”
He maintained that while the US would assist, others should lead: “We will be helpful, but they should take the lead in protecting the oil that they so desperately depend on.”
Also Read: After Hormuz, now another Strait at risk: A month of US-Iran war recapped
Push for US oil
Trump also used the moment to promote domestic energy, saying: “I have a suggestion, number one, buy oil from the United States of America. We have plenty… we have so much.”
At the same time, he defended US actions against Iran, claiming the country had been “completely decimated… both militarily and economically, and every other way.” He criticised nations that did not support US actions, urging them to “build up some delayed courage… should have done it before.”
What US data actually shows
Despite Trump’s assertion that the US imports “almost no oil” via the Strait, data from the US Energy Information Administration suggests otherwise.
According to the agency:
- The US imported about 0.5 million barrels of crude oil per day through the Strait in 2024
- Early 2025 data shows a slight decline to roughly 400,000 barrels per day
This still represents:
- Around 7% of total US crude oil imports
- About 2% of overall petroleum liquid imports
Also Read: Iran’s Strait of Hormuz grip is tighter than ever after a month of war
While dependence has reduced from 2022 levels, experts say the volumes remain significant enough to influence supply and pricing.
Why the Strait of Hormuz still matters
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most vital energy corridors, carrying a substantial share of oil exports from the Persian Gulf to global markets.
Any disruption to this narrow passage can impact supply chains and trigger volatility in oil prices, particularly for major importers across Asia and Europe.
Following Trump's speech, Brent crude rose 5% to $106.22 per barrel, while US benchmark crude climbed 4.2% to $104.36 per barrel.
Notably, Trump did not revisit the 48-hour deadline he had earlier set for Iran to reopen the Strait, leaving timelines unclear.
