US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth spoke to lawmakers today. He said Russia and China are secretly helping Iran. This happens as Iran continues to attack cargo ships in the Middle East.
The US military is fighting back. They have increased their presence near the Strait of Hormuz. Hegseth shared these details during a government meeting about extra military cash. President Donald Trump is asking for 87 billion dollars to help the military. The armed forces will get most of this money.
A Republican senator, John Hoeven, asked if Beijing and Moscow are helping Iran. Hegseth said yes. He explained that both countries are helping Iran in different ways. But he didn’t explain their exact clandestine actions.
The top US military leader, General Dan Caine, also stayed quiet about the secret intelligence. He said he didn’t want to reveal what the US knows because that would help the enemy. The ongoing skirmishes in the region have caused serious worries.
US forces hit Iranian targets for ten nights in a row. These strikes started after Iran attacked cargo ships again. Hegseth explained that Iran broke a previous peace agreement. They started shooting at trading ships. In response, the US military blocked the area. US forces even seized a ship in the Arabian Gulf.
The US is also stopping Iran from watching the waterway. This gives American troops a clear advantage. However, some politicians disagree with this plan.
Senator Jack Reed said the water route isn’t safe anymore. He blamed the government for failing to protect global trade. Hegseth disagreed. He said the US already destroyed Iran’s regular navy. But he admitted that Iran still has fast boats and missiles on the coast. They can also drop mines in the water.
He believes this extra cash will help. The money will keep the routes open and stop Russia and China from joining the fight.
