By GB News (World News) | Created at 2026-09-03 20:15:38 | Updated at 2026-09-03 20:55:11
43 minutes ago
JD Vance has hit out at Britain and Europe for “publicly criticising” United States' policy on Iran but “privately acknowledging” the necessity of addressing the threat of the Islamic Republic.
Addressing reporters from the West Wing, the Vice President said American military action in the Strait of Hormuz had prevented a “catastrophic world energy crisis”.
Before hostilities with Tehran began, 20 per cent of the world’s oil passed through the critical waterway but quickly ground to a halt.
In recent days, crude oil has begun to flow through the strait in larger volumes as the US Navy continues to police the region.
Mr Vance confirmed 15 million barrels of oil were safely transported out into the Indian Ocean yesterday.
He said: “Last night, 15 million barrels came out of the Strait of Hormuz. That's because of the United States of America.”
“The Iranians would like zero million barrels to come out of the Strait of Hormuz."
It comes as the US launched fresh military strikes on Iranian targets, which Washington executed in response to attacks on ships attempting to navigate the waterway.
JD Vance has hit out at Britain and Europe for 'publicly criticising' US policy on Iran
REUTERS
“The alternative, I think, costs a lot more,” Mr Vance said, defending the lethal action.
“A number of other countries have begged us not to do it, including those in Europe.
“They will publicly criticise us on the one hand, but then privately acknowledge that if we weren't doing what we were doing, nobody else in the world could do it."
Mr Vance argued the US was uniquely capable of ensuring commercial shipping could continue through the strategically vital waterway.
The Vice President confirmed 15 million barrels of oil had passed through the waterway with US help yesterday
“We are the only country in the world that can ensure, as you heard the President say, control over the Strait of Hormuz,” he said.
The Vice President warned without Washington's intervention, the global economy could face severe consequences.
“And if we don't do it, nobody else would do it,” he said.
“If nobody else did it, we would have a catastrophic world energy crisis.”
'If we don't do it, nobody else would do it,' the Vice President said, addressing US allies in Europe
GETTY
Mr Vance also issued a blunt warning to Tehran over attacks on commercial shipping, saying this remained a central condition for any potential negotiations.
“Our message to the Iranians is simple,” he said.
“It's been the same from the very beginning... you've got to stop shooting at commercial shipping.”
On the prospect of diplomatic talks, Mr Vance said the US position remained unchanged, saying: “The President's been very clear. We're not talking to them, and we're not going to talk to them unless they stop shooting at commercial shipping."
