Trump Urges UK to Reopen North Sea Oil Drilling as Iran War Triggers Energy Crisis

 Trump Urges UK to Reopen North Sea Oil Drilling as Iran War Triggers Energy Crisis

Former United States President Donald Trump has called on British Prime Minister Keir Starmer to immediately resume large-scale oil and gas drilling in the North Sea, warning that soaring global energy prices could severely damage the UK economy.

Trump made the statement amid sharp increases in oil and gas prices following escalating military conflict between the United States and Iran. Wholesale gas prices in Europe reportedly jumped by 20 percent in a single day, after already rising 40 percent earlier in the week, as tensions in the Middle East intensified.

Speaking to The Sun, Trump advised the UK government to take urgent action to stabilise its economy, saying Britain should “open up the North Sea immediately” to curb rising energy costs, which he described as unsustainable.

Global oil markets reacted strongly to the conflict, with Brent crude oil climbing above $80 per barrel and analysts warning prices could surge to $100 if hostilities continue. Economists say the spike is likely to worsen inflation in the UK, adding pressure on Chancellor Rachel Reeves ahead of her Spring Statement.

Trump, who returned to office in 2025 on a pro-drilling agenda, has repeatedly criticised the UK’s energy policies under the Labour government. The Starmer administration increased windfall taxes on oil and gas companies to 78 percent, restricted new exploration licences, and removed several investment incentives—moves critics argue have discouraged domestic production.

Despite scaling back local output, the UK remains heavily reliant on imported fossil fuels, particularly from Norway and the United States, with additional gas supplies coming from Qatar.

Concerns over supply disruptions grew after QatarEnergy temporarily shut down a refinery following an Iranian drone strike, further tightening global energy markets.

Industry leaders have also raised alarms. Alasdair Locke, Chairman of Motor Fuel Group, warned that Britain’s reduced North Sea production could soon result in higher fuel prices for motorists and increased vulnerability to foreign supply shocks.

According to the North Sea Transition Authority, UK waters still hold an estimated 2.9 billion barrels of proven and probable oil reserves, with billions more potentially recoverable if exploration resumes.