Hormuz Strait 'not just the United States of America's problem': Hegseth slams U.S. allies amid Iran war

Iran's blockade of the Strait of Hormuz has globalised the impact of the Middle East conflict. With approximately 20% of global oil passing through the Strait, several countries are preparing for an energy crisis if the war continues. President Donald Trump has said that he is certain that Iran's acceptance of a deal will come very soon, and indicated that his administration is in talks with a "new regime." However, his Secretary of War, Pete Hegseth, said that American objectives may not include the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. 

Talking to reporters, Hegseth said that the United States' war was aimed at crippling Iran’s nuclear, missile, and naval capabilities. He said that those objectives have been achieved, and recalled the President's statements about other countries needing to step in to protect the Strait. "The Strait of Hormuz issue, which we have set conditions for success, and we will make sure Iran knows that very clearly, it's not just the United States of America's problem. We've been willing to lead; President Trump has led the entire time, but it's not just us. So ultimately, I think other countries should pay attention when the President speaks," he said. 

In a recent post on Truth Social, Trump lashed out at NATO allies, including the United Kingdom, asking them to "go get your own oil." "All of those countries that can't get jet fuel because of the Strait of Hormuz, like the United Kingdom...I have a suggestion for you: Number 1, buy from the U.S., we have plenty, and Number 2, build up some delayed courage, go to the Strait, and just TAKE IT," President Trump wrote on Truth Social. The President said that countries, including the U.K., should "learning how to fight for" themselves as "the U.S.A. won’t be there to help you anymore."

During his interaction with reporters, Hegseth echoed the President's remarks. "You might want to start learning how to fight for yourself," he added. "It's something some of us have been saying for quite some time. You can't just have flags. You have to have formations. You can't just have a few ships. You have enough to effect change. Those things matter in a dangerous world with ascendant adversaries."

Meanwhile, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt has not ruled out the possibility of an escalation on the U.S.'s part. When asked about the President's threat to bomb Iran's "energy generating plants, oil wells, and desalination plants," Leavitt said, "The President has made it quite clear to the Iranian regime, as evidenced by the statement that you just read, that their best move is to make a deal or else the U.S. armed forces have capabilities beyond their wildest imagination and the President is not afraid to use them."