Pete Hegseth says US-led war against Iran is ‘a gift to the world’ from Trump

ARLINGTON, VIRGINIA.: Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has claimed that the US-led war against Iran is “a gift to the world” from President Donald Trump. He also accused the American allies of “free-riding” and not helping America in controlling the Strait of Hormuz.

During a Pentagon briefing with Joint Chiefs of Staff chair General Dan Caine on Friday, April 24, Hegseth said that the war waged against the Islamic nation is “a bold and dangerous mission... A gift to the world. Historic. Courtesy of a bold and historic president.”

Hegseth says ‘America’s military is unmatched’

He also claimed that the blockade of Iranian ports by the US navy is “ironclad” as he noted, “We are in control. Nothing in, nothing out.”

“Not only is the blockade growing, in fact, a second aircraft carrier will join the blockade in just a few days, but this growing blockade has also gone global. Just this week, we seized two Iranian 'dark fleet' ships in the Indo-Pacific region that had left Iranian ports before the blockade went into effect. Our blockade is growing and going global. America's military is unmatched, projecting power, denying passage to adversaries,” Hegseth asserted.

Hegseth claims ‘free riding’ for Europe and Asia is over

Further into the conference, the government official slammed US allies in Europe and Asia. He stated, “Europe and Asia have benefited from our protection for decades, but the time for free riding is over. 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.”

“We are not counting on Europe, but they need the Strait of Hormuz much more than we do, and might want to start doing less talking and having less fancy conferences in Europe and get in a boat,” Hegseth added.

Trump had asked European nations to get oil from the US

Hegseth comments reflected the sentiments of Trump, who in March had posted 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 USA 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!” the US commander-in-chief had added.