The U.S. Secretary of Defense stated European nations should cease discussion and actively assist in securing the Strait of Hormuz amid Iranian threats, April 24.
U.S. Response to Iranian Actions
If Iran mines or otherwise threatens American commercial shipping or U.S. forces, the U.S. will respond with force, without hesitation, according to Hegseth. He stated the Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has been “reduced to flag pirate bands,” and their true navy “lies at the bottom of the Persian Gulf.”
The Pentagon confirmed President Trump authorized the U.S. Navy to counter Iranian fast boats attempting to lay mines or disrupt shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. The U.S. will consider further mine placement by Iran as a violation of the ceasefire.
End of “Free Ride” for Allies
Hegseth asserted that the time for allies to benefit without contributing to security has ended. He emphasized Europe and Asia have benefited from U.S. protection for decades and should take a more active role in securing the Strait of Hormuz.
He dismissed a London conference involving approximately 50 nations, under the patronage of Great Britain and France, as a “farce” where participants “sat and talked about maybe doing something when it’s all over.”
Strait of Hormuz Operations and Global Impact
Hegseth stated the blockade of Iranian ports is “growing and becoming global.” To date, 34 commercial vessels have turned back after encountering U.S. forces, and three Iranian ships have been intercepted. A second aircraft carrier will join the operation in the coming days.
“No one goes out of the Strait of Hormuz anywhere in the world without the permission of the United States Navy,” Hegseth declared.
Mine Countermeasures and Pentagon Leaks
Regarding reports that fully clearing mines from the Strait of Hormuz could take up to six months, Hegseth declined to speculate on a timeline. He criticized the information as stemming from “another leak from a closed, classified session,” which he deemed unacceptable.
Hegseth affirmed U.S. confidence in its ability to clear identified mines in a timely manner and encouraged other nations to participate in mine countermeasures.
