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

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is calling on U.S. allies to increase their military presence and responsibility in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global shipping route through which roughly one-third of the world's seaborne oil passes. His comments follow President Trump's directive to other nations to "go get your own oil," signaling a shift toward reducing American military commitments to protect international energy supplies. The remarks reflect the Trump administration's effort to reduce U.S. military burden-sharing and push allied nations to strengthen their own defense capabilities in strategically vital regions. Hegseth's statement underscores tension between the administration's isolationist rhetoric and the practical reality that disruptions to the Strait of Hormuz—a chokepoint between Iran and Oman—can ripple through global energy markets and affect American interests. The messaging appears designed to pressure wealthy Gulf allies, particularly Saudi Arabia and the UAE, to fund and lead regional security operations.