Published on: Fri, 20 Mar 2026 23:18:00 GMT
Original Story: Donald Trump ‘very surprised’ Australia declined to send troops to strait of Hormuz amid fuel crisis – The Guardian

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Hormuz No-Show: Australia’s Playing Hard to Get

So, remember back in 2019 when then-President Trump was all, “Hey allies, let’s form a naval coalition to protect oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz?” Yeah, well, apparently Australia remembers. And they’re giving the whole thing a hard pass this time around. Trump, now running for president again (shocker!), is reportedly “very surprised” that Australia isn’t jumping at the chance to send troops to the region amid, you know, a potential fuel crisis. Surprise, surprise, Donnie. Not everyone’s on your speed dial anymore.

Déjà Vu All Over Again (But With Less Enthusiasm)

Back in ’19, the justification was, as usual, “Iran bad, oil good, gotta protect the precious.” And while the geopolitical situation in the Middle East hasn’t exactly calmed down since then (understatement of the century), Australia’s reluctance this time around speaks volumes. Maybe they finally realized that playing wingman to Trump’s foreign policy escapades rarely ends well. Or maybe they just have better things to do than babysit oil tankers in a region perpetually on the verge of exploding. Either way, you can’t blame them. I mean, seriously.

A Blast From The Past (Or, Trump’s Selective Memory)

Let’s rewind to the summer of 2019. Trump, fresh off threatening everyone and their mother with tariffs, was on a mission to pressure Iran. The Strait of Hormuz, being a crucial chokepoint for global oil supplies, became ground zero for this geopolitical showdown. Remember when oil tankers were getting mysteriously attacked, and everyone was pointing fingers? Good times. So, Trump, in his infinite wisdom, decided that the best course of action was to… ask other countries to do the heavy lifting. Classic.

Australia, under then-Prime Minister Scott Morrison, ultimately contributed a “modest” naval presence. A fig leaf, really, but hey, at least they showed up. But now? Crickets. And Trump is apparently *shocked*. It’s almost as if international relations are more complex than a reality TV show. Who knew?

The Tariff Man Cometh (Again?)

The interesting thing here is the economic angle. The Strait of Hormuz is, obviously, vital for global oil supplies. A disruption there sends prices skyrocketing, which impacts everyone, including the oh-so-sensitive American consumer. And guess who loves to brag about the economy when it suits him? That’s right, the guy who’s now “very surprised” that Australia isn’t rushing to his rescue. Remember when Trump slapped tariffs on steel and aluminum in 2018, claiming it would boost American industry? It mostly boosted prices for everyone else. Seems like a pattern, doesn’t it?

Now, you might ask, what does this have to do with Australia’s reluctance? Well, everything is connected. Foreign policy decisions are rarely made in a vacuum. Australia, like any rational actor, is weighing the costs and benefits of getting involved in another Trump-led adventure. And given his track record on trade wars, broken alliances, and general unpredictability, it’s not hard to see why they might be hesitant.

Fuel Crisis? What Fuel Crisis? (According to Trump, Probably)

The article mentions a potential fuel crisis. Trump, ever the optimist (or delusional, depending on your perspective), probably sees this as a perfect opportunity to flex American muscle and “solve” the problem. Except, of course, it’s not that simple. A military intervention in the Strait of Hormuz could easily escalate into a full-blown conflict, with potentially catastrophic consequences for the global economy. And who would bear the brunt of that? You guessed it, the average consumer. So maybe, just maybe, Australia’s decision to stay out of it is actually the smart play here.

Australia: The Land Down Under (and Off the Hook?)

It’s worth noting that Australia has its own set of strategic priorities in the Indo-Pacific region, particularly concerning China. They’re not exactly thrilled with China’s increasing assertiveness in the South China Sea, and they’re probably focusing their resources on that front. Plus, they’ve got their own domestic issues to deal with, like, you know, climate change and koalas. So, forgive them if they’re not super eager to jump into another Middle Eastern quagmire.

And let’s be honest, Trump’s “very surprised” reaction is probably just for show. He needs to project an image of strength and leadership, even if it means throwing a little shade at a longtime ally. It’s all part of the game. The game of thrones, that is. (Get it? Thrones? Oil? Never mind.)

Remember the Trade Deficit! (He Probably Does… Sometimes)

Oh, and let’s not forget the good ol’ trade deficit. Trump used to harp on about how unfair the trade deficit with countries like China and Germany was. I wonder if he ever brought up the trade balance with Australia. Probably not, because it might complicate his narrative. But hey, who needs facts when you have feelings?

Snarky Takeaway

So, what’s the takeaway here? Trump’s “very surprised” reaction to Australia’s Hormuz no-show is less about genuine shock and more about political theater. It’s a reminder that international relations are messy, that allies have their own interests, and that Trump’s foreign policy approach is often… let’s just say “unconventional.” And as for the potential fuel crisis? Well, buckle up, folks. It’s gonna be a bumpy ride.

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