Daijiworld Media Network - Hyderabad
Washington, May 5: The United States has called on its allies to take a more active role in safeguarding the vital Strait of Hormuz, signalling a push for broader international participation in protecting global shipping routes.
Speaking on Tuesday, US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth said Washington expects partner nations to step up and contribute to maritime security, even as American forces currently lead efforts in the region.
“The world needs this waterway a lot more than we do,” Hegseth said, adding that the US aims to stabilise the situation before gradually transferring responsibility to other countries.
He noted that nations such as Japan, Australia, and several European partners are being encouraged to increase their involvement. However, he emphasised that the US will continue acting independently in the meantime to ensure security.
The appeal comes as the US advances “Project Freedom,” an operation designed to protect commercial vessels navigating the Strait following weeks of disruptions linked to Iran.
Chairman of the Joint Chiefs, Dan Caine, said Iran has repeatedly targeted commercial shipping in recent weeks, aiming to disrupt trade flows and impact the global economy. He added that while tensions remain high, the situation has not yet escalated into full-scale conflict.
The US has deployed more than 15,000 personnel, along with naval ships and aircraft, to maintain a secure transit corridor and uphold freedom of navigation. Officials confirmed that at least two US-flagged commercial vessels have already passed through the strait under protection, with more expected soon.
Hegseth described the mission as temporary, aimed at restoring confidence among shipping operators while encouraging greater international responsibility for securing the critical route.
The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world’s most important maritime chokepoints, handling a significant share of global oil shipments and making its security a key concern for energy-dependent economies worldwide.