Hegseth calls on US allies to 'step up' over Strait of Hormuz

March 31, 2026

The Trump administration is demanding that US allies, particularly the UK, independently reopen the Strait of Hormuz after Iran closed the crucial shipping channel following US-Israeli attacks on February 28. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth and President Trump argue that America has done the "hard part" by degrading Iran's military capabilities and that other nations dependent on the waterway should now handle the situation themselves. This represents a dramatic policy shift, as the administration has oscillated over three weeks from requesting allied assistance to angrily demanding allies act alone while threatening to abandon longstanding alliances.

Who is affected

US allies, specifically the United Kingdom and other NATO/European countries
Iran (military capabilities damaged, subject to ongoing pressure)
Countries dependent on oil and jet fuel passing through the Strait of Hormuz
The Trump administration (Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, President Donald Trump)
Global consumers facing soaring fuel prices due to supply disruptions
US negotiators involved in the 15-point peace plan

What action is being taken

Iran is maintaining control of the Strait of Hormuz, keeping it effectively closed
The Trump administration is publicly demanding allies take independent action to reopen the Strait
The US is conducting military operations against Iran that have damaged its navy and missile stocks
The administration is threatening to abandon alliances if allies don't act

Why it matters

This situation represents a potentially history-defining shift in US foreign policy and global alliances. The Strait of Hormuz is a critical waterway through which approximately 20% of the world's oil and liquefied natural gas normally passes, making its closure economically devastating with fuel prices soaring globally. The Trump administration's approach threatens to fracture longstanding military alliances by demanding allies independently resolve the crisis while suggesting the US may abandon mutual defense commitments, fundamentally challenging the post-World War II international security order that has relied on American leadership and protection.

What's next

The war timeline has been extended to six to eight weeks (from the previous four to six weeks)
Trump is reportedly considering ending the military campaign against Iran even if the Strait remains closed
The administration plans to continue diplomatic pressure on Iran to reopen trade flow
US negotiators' 15-point peace plan requires Iran to reopen the Strait as a precondition for ending the war

Read full article from source: BBC