Donald Trump said NATO was condemned, said he thanked Pakistan’s leaders and said the U.S. naval blockade will stay, while Iran’s speaker said Hormuz could close.
The remarks come as the U.S. seeks to maintain pressure on Iran over its nuclear program, and Pakistan’s cooperation is viewed as key to regional stability[1].
Trump said NATO’s troops should not be deployed in Afghanistan and said the alliance would be a “trash can” without his leadership[1].
He thanked Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Asim Munir for Pakistan’s assistance and said the naval blockade will remain in force as leverage against Tehran[1][2].
Iranian parliament speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf said that if the blockade continues, the Strait of Hormuz – a vital oil conduit – may not stay open[2].
Analysts note that simultaneous U.S. pressure on Iran and outreach to Pakistan could reshape power dynamics in South Asia and the Gulf[1].
The exchange highlights a tightening of diplomatic rhetoric that could affect security calculations for NATO allies, South Asian partners and global energy markets.
“Trump said NATO’s troops should not be deployed in Afghanistan.”
What this means: The United States is using both diplomatic praise and strategic threats to press Iran while solidifying ties with Pakistan, a move that may heighten tensions with NATO members and raise the risk of disruption to the Strait of Hormuz, a critical artery for global oil shipments.
