Hegseth urges global action on Strait of Hormuz, warns Iran of 'intensified war' if no deal

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has called on countries around the world to step up efforts to secure the Strait of Hormuz, warning that conflict with Iran could "intensify" if a deal is not reached.

Speaking at a briefing on Tuesday, Hegseth said he had visited US troops in the Middle East on Saturday to witness ongoing military operations against Iran.

He noted that the past day saw the lowest number of Iranian missile launches, but cautioned that the situation remains uncertain, reports Reuters.

"There are countries around the world who ought be prepared to step up on this critical waterway," Hegseth said, referencing earlier remarks by US President Donald Trump.

"President Trump's been willing to do the heavy lifting on behalf of the free world to address this threat of Iran," he continued. "It's not just our problem set going forward, even though we have done the lion's share of preparation to ensure that that strait will be open."

He stressed that Washington prefers a negotiated settlement but is prepared to escalate military action if needed.

"Our job is to ensure that we compel Iran to realise that this new regime ... is in a better place if they make that deal," he said.

"And so we'll continue ... We want that deal to be accomplished if at all possible. If not, then we're prepared to continue."

He also claimed that US strikes were causing "widespread desertions" within Iran.

Responding to a question about US commitment to NATO, Hegseth indicated that allied support had been inconsistent.

"As far as NATO's concerned, that's a decision that be left to the president but I'll just say, a lot has been laid bare," he said.

"A lot has been shown to the world about what our allies would be willing to do for the United States of America when we undertake an effort of this scope on behalf of the free world. These are missiles that don't even range the United States of America. They range allies and others. And yet when we ask for additional assistance or simple access basic overflight, we get questions or roadblocks or hesitations.

"And the president's pointing out you don't have much of an, an alliance if you have countries that are not willing to stand with you when you need them," he added.

Earlier on Friday, Trump said the United States does not "have to be there for NATO," comments that again raised questions about the US president's commitment to the mutual defence provisions at the centre of the transatlantic alliance.

European allies were not consulted by the US on its decision to attack Iran late last month, and many leaders in the alliance opposed the action.

The president has had a famously on-again-off-again relationship with the alliance, and he has at various points made comments that provoked questions about his willingness to adhere ⁠to NATO's Article 5, which states an attack against one member state is an attack on all.