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The US Secretary of War, Pete Hegseth, has criticised the UK for not committing naval resources to the Strait of Hormuz amid heightened tensions.
Hegseth implied that the Royal Navy should be a leading maritime force capable of stepping in.
The context here is important: the Strait of Hormuz is a crucial chokepoint for global oil shipments—roughly 20% of the world’s oil passes through it.
The US has recently deployed uncrewed drone speedboats and other assets to patrol the area amid Iranian-backed Houthi attacks and broader Gulf tensions. Hegseth’s comment underscores frustration over allied support, particularly from the UK, which traditionally projects significant naval power in global hotspots.
It also has a political edge: by framing it as the Royal Navy “supposed to be big and bad,” he’s both taunting and challenging the UK’s public perception of its naval clout relative to its actual deployments.
During a press conference at the Pentagon Hegseth said: “I think the president was clear this morning in his Truth (Social post) that there are countries around the world who ought to be prepared to step up on this critical waterway as well.
“It’s not just the United States Navy. Last time I checked, there was supposed to be a big, bad Royal Navy that could be prepared to do things like that as well.
“He’s pointing out, this is an international waterway that we use less than most. In fact, dramatically less than most.
“So the world ought to pay attention to be prepared to stand up. President Trump has been willing to do the heavy lifting on behalf of the free world to address this threat of Iran.
It’s not just our problem set going forward, even though we have done lion’s share of preparation to ensure that strait will be open.
Earlier on Tuesday the US President took a swipe at Sir Keir Starmer saying that America will not “be there to help you anymore.”
Trump wrote on Truth Social: “All of those countries that can’t get jet fuel because of the Strait of Hormuz, like the United Kingdom, which refused to get involved in the decapitation of Iran, 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.
“You’ll have to start learning how to fight for yourself, the U.S.A. won’t be there to help you anymore, just like you weren’t there for us. Iran has been, essentially, decimated.
“The hard part is done. Go get your own oil! President DJT.”
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