US Hormuz blockade 'growing and going global,' Hegseth says

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Friday criticized European and Asian nations for failing to assist in securing the Strait of Hormuz, demanding they "get in a boat" rather than hold conferences while the vital waterway remains largely closed amid the US-Iran conflict. Hegseth announced that the US naval blockade on Iran, which began on April 13, is "growing and going global," with 34 ships turned away as of Friday morning. The blockade enforcement extends across the Pacific and Indian oceans, targeting vessels of any nationality transiting to or from Iranian ports. Standing alongside General Dan Caine at the Pentagon, Hegseth rejected suggestions that Washington needs European or Asian support, arguing those regions are far more dependent on oil and gas flowing through the Strait of Hormuz than the United States. "Europe and Asia have benefited from our protection for decades, but the time for free riding is over," he said, describing President Donald Trump's approach as a "gift to the world." The US has indicated it would lift the blockade only if Iran reopens the strait and accepts peace terms, including abandoning nuclear weapons development in "meaningful and verifiable ways." The Strait of Hormuz, through which approximately 20 percent of the world's oil passes, has seen significantly restricted tanker traffic since Iran began threatening vessels with small, fast boats equipped with weapons. Global energy prices have risen substantially since the US and Israel launched the war against Iran in late February. While peace talks between Iran and the United States may resume soon in Pakistan, Hegseth stressed that Washington is "not anxious" for a deal and has "all the time in the world" to wait for Iran to choose diplomacy.