Pete Hegseth Mocks ‘Big Bad Royal Navy’

The US secretary of defence has mocked the “big, bad Royal Navy” for not joining America in its war against Iran.

Speaking from the Pentagon on Tuesday, Pete Hegseth said: “There are countries around the world who ought to be prepared to step up on this critical waterway as well.

“Last time I checked, there was supposed to be a big, bad Royal Navy that could be prepared to do things like that as well.”

He added: “This is an international waterway that we use less than most. In fact, dramatically less than most.

“The world ought to pay attention, be prepared to stand up.”

His remarks come after Keir Starmer’s government refused the US request’s to use British military bases for preemptive strikes on Iran last month.

The UK did allow American troops to use their sites for defensive and limited strikes, though Donald Trump has continued to attack Britain for its perceived lack of support.

He compared UK aircraft carriers to “toys” and told the prime minister “not to bother” sending ships to the Gulf.

On Tuesday, he told allies “you’ll have to start learning how to fight for yourself”, urging Britain to “go get your own oil” from the Strait of Hormuz as Iran continues its blockade.

Writing on TruthSocial, the president said the UK should either buy jet fuel from the US or “build up some delayed courage, go to the Strait and just TAKE IT”.

Meanwhile, the UK’s First Sea Lord has warned that the Royal Navy is not ready for war and that it “had work to do”.

Gen Sir Gwyn Jenkins told Swedish newspaper Svensky Dagbladet on Monday that the Navy could still fight with what it had and that “if we were told to go to war, of course we would”.

But he added: “Are we are ready as we should be? I don’t think are. We have work to do and I am completely dedicated to the mission.”

UK defence secretary John Healey also announced on Tuesday that the UK would be deploying dozens of troops and its most advanced air defence missile system to Saudi Arabia as the Middle East conflict continues to escalate.

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