Reactions and statements from the international community
![@Visegrád 24: SecWar Pete Hegseth tells U.S. allies, "the time for free-riding is over"
"We barely use the Strait of Hormuz as a country. Our energy doesn't flow through there.[...] Europe and Asia have benefited](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fpub-4357b54df55146feb8261be683c32511.r2.dev%2Fthumbnails%2F1777046471749-bd3b9fecdc5cce99-bQc7kaiytaYyEWZo.webp&w=3840&q=75)
In a speech to U.S. allies, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth stated, "the time for free-riding is over," arguing that while the United States barely uses the Strait of Hormuz, Europe and Asia have long benefited from American protection.
U.S. President Trump has ordered the United States Navy to "shoot and kill" any Iranian boats caught laying mines in the Strait of Hormuz following the interception of two oil supertankers attempting to bypass restrictions on movement to and from Iranian ports.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced that his government will introduce a bill in the upcoming parliamentary session, starting in July, to designate the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as a prohibited organization. The announcement was made during a visit to a synagogue and an interview with the Jewish Chronicle, where Starmer expressed concern over the Iranian regime's use of proxy forces.
US military tankers involved in operations against Iran violated Spanish airspace closures on December 14, flying over northern Spain after dropping off fighter jets in the Middle East.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced that Iranian football players are allowed to travel to the United States and participate in the World Cup, but individuals affiliated with the IRGC, including coaches and journalists, are prohibited from entering the country.
Secretary of War Pete Hegseth criticizes U.S. allies, stating "the time for free riding is over," and urges them to take more responsibility, particularly regarding the strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz, during a speech where he emphasized the need for capable and loyal allies.
Hezbollah launched continuous rocket attacks in the northern part of the country in the last hour, ending the ceasefire.
Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, head of the Islamic Republic's negotiating delegation with U.S. representatives in Islamabad, has resigned after being reprimanded for attempting to include nuclear energy issues in the negotiation agenda.
Pete Hegseth, the U.S. Secretary of War, announced that the naval blockade on Iran's ports is intensifying, with another aircraft carrier set to join the operation soon. Hegseth stated that the blockade is now global, with the U.S. Navy seizing two Iranian ships in the Indo-Pacific and asserting control over all movements through the Strait of Hormuz.
Secretary of War Pete Hegseth stated that the conflict in the Strait of Hormuz should not be solely America's responsibility, noting that the U.S. has minimal reliance on the strait for energy and possesses ample domestic energy resources.
The leadership situation in the Islamic Republic remains unclear following heavy blows from the United States and Israel, with no public funeral held for deceased Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei two months after his death. Additionally, his son Mojtaba Khamenei has not been seen in public and is reportedly hiding.
According to shipping data, only five vessels, including an Iranian tanker carrying petroleum products, have passed through the Strait of Hormuz in the past 24 hours, a significant decrease from the average of about 140 daily transits before the start of the US and Israeli war against Iran in late February. The closure or disruption of the Strait has disrupted one-fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas supply, leading to a global energy crisis.
