Hegseth calls on US allies to ‘step up’ over Strait of Hormuz

US defense chief urges collective action amid regional tensions

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has urged US allies to take a more active role in safeguarding the Strait of Hormuz, aligning with remarks from former President Donald Trump. During a Tuesday press conference, Hegseth emphasized that the responsibility to secure the strategic waterway extends beyond the United States, echoing Trump’s earlier social media statements.

“The U.S. won’t be there to help you anymore, just like you weren’t there for us,” Trump had declared, encouraging nations to secure their own oil supplies. Hegseth later reinforced this message, arguing that the Strait is not solely an American challenge.

The strait, a vital artery for global oil and LNG trade, has been effectively controlled by Iran since the US and Israel struck it on February 28. Over the past three weeks, the Trump administration has oscillated between seeking European support, dismissing it as disloyal, and labeling requests as a diplomatic test. Now, it is increasingly demanding that allies take direct action to reestablish passage.

Strategic implications and shifting alliances

With 20% of the world’s oil passing through the strait, its closure has driven global fuel prices to unprecedented levels. Hegseth highlighted this during his remarks, stating that the US had “set the conditions of success” for the operation. He also suggested the conflict might last six to eight weeks, diverging from the previous four-to-six-week estimate.

“Countries around the world ought to be ready to take the lead on this critical waterway,” Hegseth said, pointing to the UK’s “big bad Royal Navy” as a key player. The UK, however, has declined to commit to further involvement in the war.

The White House has been approached by the BBC for clarification on recent reports. Trump reportedly told aides he may end the military campaign against Iran even if the strait remains closed, prioritizing diplomatic pressure over continued combat. His allies, meanwhile, are pushing for a unified front to challenge Iran’s control.

Peace plan and Iran’s stance

US negotiators included reopening the Strait as a condition in their 15-point peace proposal, signaling a potential path to resolution. Yet, Iran’s foreign ministry spokesperson, Esmaeil Baqaei, denied any talks with American officials, asserting that no negotiations occurred in the 31 days since the war began. “There’s no real threat” in the strait, Trump reiterated in a BBC interview, suggesting the conflict’s risks are overstated.