US Defence Secretary Condemns European Allies Over Iran War Stance
US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth launched a pointed critique against America's European allies today, condemning their refusal to assist in the ongoing conflict with Iran. Speaking at a Pentagon press briefing following the announcement of a two-week ceasefire between the United States and Iran, Hegseth delivered remarks that highlighted growing transatlantic tensions.
Praise for Israel and Criticism for European Partners
In his Wednesday address, Hegseth singled out Israel as a 'brave, willing and capable ally' to the United States. He contrasted this with other nations, stating that 'so-called allies saw what real capability looks like - they should take some notes.' This public rebuke comes after weeks of vocal criticism from former President Donald Trump, who has expressed mounting frustration toward allies including the United Kingdom and France for their perceived lack of support in the war with Iran.
Trump's Continued Attacks on UK and French Leadership
The tension was further amplified by Trump's recent comments. When asked at the White House on Monday whether he had spoken to Prime Minister Keir Starmer and if the UK could 'resurrect like Jesus this Easter weekend,' Trump replied, 'Well, that's what they need. They have a long way to go, the UK has a long way to go,' before adding, 'we don't want another Neville Chamberlain, do we agree?'
Last week, the former US President also mocked Starmer for his response to the Middle East conflict, mimicking the prime minister by saying he had to consult his team about sending 'two broken-down aircraft carriers' to the region. Trump has been angered for weeks by Starmer's initial refusal to permit US aircraft to use British bases for sorties over Iran. Although Starmer later reversed this decision, he has steadfastly declined to deploy British troops and ships to the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, which transports twenty percent of global oil supplies.
Trump previously disparaged Britain's naval capabilities, describing their aircraft carriers as 'toys compared to what we have.' Speaking to reporters at the White House on March 26, he remarked: 'The British said "we'll send our aircraft carriers" - which aren't the best aircraft carriers by the way, they are toys compared to what we have - "we'll send our aircraft carrier when the war is over". I said "that's wonderful, thank you very much - don't bother".'
NATO Allies Reject Trump's Demands
Last month, Trump called upon NATO nations to assist in reopening the narrow Strait of Hormuz, but European capitals rebuffed his request, stating it would be impossible while hostilities continued. Several allies explicitly declared that this was 'not our war.' NATO members have consistently asserted that Trump's war on Iran does not trigger Article 5, meaning they are not obligated to participate in the conflict.
Trump subsequently branded countries within the alliance 'cowards,' adding that 'Without the USA, NATO IS A PAPER TIGER.' His attacks extended to French President Emmanuel Macron last week, when he mocked Macron for an incident where he appeared to be pushed by his wife, Brigitte, in a viral video from 2025. Trump also ridiculed Macron's French accent and claimed he only sought French assistance on Iran as a formality, stating: 'We didn't need them, but I asked anyway.'
Macron responded on Thursday, telling reporters that the US president's comments were 'neither elegant nor up to standard' and 'do not merit a response.' He further emphasised that launching a military operation to force open the waterway would be unrealistic, despite Trump's persistent demands.
Ceasefire Announcement and Military Claims
Hegseth's comments coincide with Trump's announcement last night that Iran has agreed to a two-week ceasefire and will reopen the Strait of Hormuz, while both sides consider a ten-point peace plan. The precise terms of the agreement remain undisclosed. Trump told Sky News this morning: 'They are very good points - and most of them have been fully negotiated. If it isn't good, we'll go right back to it very easily.'
The ceasefire was declared just hours after Trump sparked doomsday fears by threatening to obliterate Iran's 'entire civilisation.' At the press conference, Hegseth asserted that Trump achieved 'victory with a capital V,' and claimed Iran pleaded for the ceasefire. He added that Iran's missile programme has been 'functionally destroyed' and that Iran's navy 'is at the bottom of the sea.' Furthermore, he stated, 'we [the US] own their skies.'
Hegseth detailed: 'In last night's wave of more than 800 strikes, we... completely destroyed Iran's defence industrial base, a core pillar of our mission objective. What little they have left buried in bunkers is all they will have. They can still shoot, we know that. Their command and control is so decimated that they can't really talk and coordinate, so they still may shoot here and there. But that would be very unwise.'
He also declared that the US-Iran deal ensures Iran 'will never ever possess a nuclear weapon.' Hegseth explained: 'The new Iranian regime understood that a deal was far better than the fate that awaited them. This new regime was out of options and out of time, so they cut a deal.'
Ceasefire Conditions and International Reactions
Speaking alongside Hegseth, top US General Dan Caine cautioned that the ceasefire represents only a temporary pause in the current conflict. The Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff added: 'The joint force remains ready... to resume combat operations with the same speed and precision.' The ceasefire is conditional, dependent on the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for global oil transit.
Trump described the ceasefire as 'double-sided' and justified it by claiming the US had 'met and exceeded all military objectives.' Iran proposed a ten-point counter-proposal to US negotiators via Pakistani officials on Monday, following a US submission of a fifteen-point proposal to initiate a ceasefire. A US delegation led by Vice President JD Vance is scheduled to arrive in Islamabad, Pakistan on Friday to commence negotiations.
Global markets and world leaders have responded positively to the ceasefire announcement. In Europe, Frankfurt surged by five percent at market opening, while the FTSE 100 rose 2.55 percent shortly after opening. In Asia, Japan's Nikkei index closed up more than five percent and South Korea's Kospi nearly seven percent on Wednesday. Macron this morning described the deal as a 'very good thing.' However, Trump ominously told Sky News hours after the ceasefire was announced: 'If the [ceasefire] isn't good, we'll go right back to [war].'
