Hegseth criticizes NATO allies over Iran blockade
US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth has publicly criticized NATO allies for their absence during the US-led blockade of Iran's Strait of Hormuz. In a social media post, Hegseth stated that when 'shots were fired,' only Gulf allies showed up while other allies 'have talked a lot and haven't done anything.' The comments highlight growing frustration within the Trump administration over perceived lack of support from traditional partners in confronting Iran. Hegseth's remarks come as the US continues to enforce the blockade with limited international participation.
Hegseth provided additional specifics, stating allies 'weren’t in the strait' and 'weren’t alongside us' during the blockade.
Hegseth provided a more direct quote, stating allies 'weren’t in the strait' and 'weren’t alongside us' when needed.
Hegseth specifically stated that aside from Gulf allies, 'other allies have talked a lot and haven't done anything' during the Iran blockade.