Hegseth Urges Britain and Other Allies to Step Up on Strait of Hormuz Security

31/03/2026

WASHINGTON (AP), Mar 31: U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Tuesday called on Britain and other allies to play a greater role in securing the strategic Strait of Hormuz, saying responsibility for the vital waterway should not fall solely on the United States.

Speaking at the Pentagon, Hegseth said countries around the world should be prepared to contribute, adding pointedly that the Royal Navy should be capable of stepping in. “It’s not just the United States Navy,” he said.

Hegseth also questioned the strength of the NATO alliance, suggesting its value is diminished if member states do not stand with Washington during times of conflict. He said the U.S. military campaign against Iran was undertaken on behalf of the “free world.”

The remarks came as Donald Trump criticized countries affected by rising fuel prices, urging them in a social media post to “go get your own oil” as U.S. gasoline prices climbed above $4 per gallon.

During the briefing, Hegseth declined to say whether U.S. ground troops would be deployed against Iran, stating that revealing such decisions would undermine military strategy. “You can’t fight and win a war if you tell your adversary what you are willing to do,” he said.

He added that multiple military options remain available, while confirming that diplomatic efforts with Iran are ongoing. “We don’t want to have to do more militarily than we have to,” Hegseth said, adding that negotiations are continuing even as military pressure is maintained.