Defense Secretary Urges Allies to Share Burden in Strait of Hormuz Security

WASHINGTON D.C. – U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth declared on Friday that "the time for free riding is over" as he urged Asian and European allies to shoulder more of the responsibility for securing the vital Strait of Hormuz. Speaking at a Pentagon press briefing, Hegseth emphasized that the ongoing U.S. naval blockade, initiated on April 13, is expanding globally and will persist "as long as it takes" to pressure Iran. Hegseth stressed that allies have benefited from decades of U.S. protection and that their involvement in the Strait of Hormuz operations should not solely be an American endeavor. He asserted that America and the "free world deserve allies who are capable, who are loyal and who understand that being an ally is not a one-way street. It's a two-way street." The Defense Secretary highlighted that Europe, in particular, has a greater need for safe passage through the strait for its energy imports compared to the United States. Iran has historically leveraged the waterway as a significant source of strategic power. Hegseth stated that the U.S. has imposed an "ironclad blockade that grows more powerful by the day," with the Navy enforcing it from the Gulf of Oman to the open oceans without hesitation. He characterized the U.S. military operation as a "bold and dangerous" mission and a "gift to the world," aimed at preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. Hegseth also noted that Iran has an opportunity to negotiate a "good" and "wise" deal with the United States. Meanwhile, U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner were scheduled to depart for Pakistan to engage in direct talks with Iranian negotiators, mediated by Pakistan. President Trump indicated that Iran would soon present a proposal to the U.S., stating, "They're making an offer, and we'll have to see." The Pentagon is also reportedly developing new battle plans targeting Iran's capabilities in the Strait of Hormuz. Earlier this week, President Trump ordered the U.S. Navy to "shoot and kill" any Iranian boats found laying mines in the Strait of Hormuz. The White House has also announced that U.S. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth made these remarks on April 25, 2026.