‘Have Less Fancy Conferences and Get in a Boat’, Hegseth Tells UK and Allies
Hegseth said allies should send ships, not hold conferences, as tanker traffic remains stalled and global energy prices rise.
- On Friday, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth criticized European and Asian allies for relying on United States military protection, declaring that "the time for freeriding is over" regarding the Strait of Hormuz security mission.
- Hegseth stressed that Europe and Asia depend heavily on Persian Gulf energy, while the Strait of Hormuz remains blocked by Iranian threats following the United States and Israel war that began in late February.
- Dismissing recent European talks in Paris and London as "silly," Hegseth urged allies to "start having less fancy conferences and get in a boat" instead of continuing diplomatic discussions.
- Reports indicate the United States may review its position on Britain's claim to the Falkland Islands, escalating tensions over Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer's perceived lack of support for the Iran war.
- Although a coalition recently held meetings to forge a France-led mission to secure the waterway, Hegseth insists the United States deserves allies "who are loyal" and that partnership is "not a one-way street.
22 Articles
22 Articles
Hegseth slams Europeans for ‘free riding,’ says they have long benefited from U.S. protection
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth dismissed recent British- and French-led conferences to discuss options for reopening the Strait of Hormuz as more examples of Europe talking rather than taking action.
At a press conference, the US Secretary of Defense was caught up in European countries that had been enjoying the protection of the United States free of charge for decades, he said.
Hegseth belittles 'silly' European efforts to reopen Strait of Hormuz
War Secretary Pete Hegseth openly derided Europe’s slow-moving efforts to help reopen the Strait of Hormuz on Friday, dismissing a recent gathering to discuss possibilities as a “silly conference.” Speaking to reporters on the status of events around Iran, Hegseth was asked if any European countries had offered assistance in reopening the strait, such as contributing escort vessels. “I know there’s a lot of talks,” Hegseth responded. “You saw th…
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