Pete Hegseth Criticises European Allies Over Iran War

Pete Hegseth has said America’s “ungrateful allies in Europe” should thank Donald Trump for the war in Iran.

The self-styled US Secretary of War said the president was “doing the work of the free world” by attacking the country’s ruling regime.

His comments came as the UK, France, Germany, Italy and the Netherlands issued a joint-statement with Japan condemning Iran’s closure of the Strait of Hormuz.

However, they stopped short of agreeing to Trump’s request to send warships to protect oil tankers using it.

Around one-fifth of the world’s oil supply passes through the waterway, and its closure has led to a spike in oil prices and triggered economic turmoil around the world.

Their statement said: “We express our readiness to contribute to appropriate efforts to ensure safe passage through the Strait. We welcome the commitment of nations who are engaging in preparatory planning.”

Meanwhile, the Israeli bombing of Iran’s South Pars gas field – and Tahran’s retaliatory strike on Qatar – has also sent energy costs soaring.

Despite the global chaos, Hegseth insisted the rest of the world should be grateful to Trump for starting the war nearly three weeks ago.

He said Iran was “a direct threat to America, to freedom and to civilisation.

“The world, the Middle East, our ungrateful allies in Europe, even segments of our own press should be saying one thing to President Trump – thank you,” Hegseth said.

“Thank you for the courage to stop this terror state from holding the world hostage with missiles while building or attempting to build a nuclear bomb. Thank you for doing the work of the free world.”