STRAIT OF HORMUZ — U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth called on U.S. allies to "step up" over the Strait of Hormuz after Iran effectively closed off the strait since February 28.

"There are countries around the world who ought be prepared to step up on this critical waterway as well. It's not just the United States Navy," Hegseth said.

Hegseth said the U.K.'s "big bad Royal Navy" should get involved in securing the Strait of Hormuz.

The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world's busiest oil shipping channels. About 20% of the world's oil and liquefied natural gas usually passes through the strait.

Iran has continued attacking Israel and Persian Gulf countries. Global fuel prices have increased since the start of the war.

The United Kingdom has said it will not be "dragged into" the war.

Hegseth said the timeline of the war could be six to eight weeks.