Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif appeared to take a jibe at Washington’s shifting war narrative amid the conflict that has entered its fourth week. In a pointed remark, Asif suggested that the goals of the US-Israel campaign against Iran are no longer justified as it focuses toward reopening the Strait of Hormuz. His statement comes amid reports that Pakistan is facilitating talks between the United States and Iran to de-escalate the ongoing conflict in the Middle East
Pak Minister Mocks US For Shifting Goals In Iran War
In a post on X, Asif stated that the US’ focus now seems to have shifted toward reopening the Strait of Hormuz, a critical maritime route that was functioning normally before the conflict. However, it was later shut by Iran following US and Israeli strikes on Tehran on February 28. The blockade of the strait by Iran had disrupted oil supplies and trade, pushing up energy prices globally amid growing calls for de-escalation. “The goal of the war seems to have shifted to opening the Strait of Hormuz, which was open before the war,” Asif wrote.
According to a Reuters report, the ongoing conflict has nearly halted about one-fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas shipments through the strait, disrupting energy supplies. While Iran had effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz in retaliation of joint attacks by the US and Israel, Tehran on Wednesday informed the United Nations Security Council and the International Maritime Organisation that “non-hostile vessels” may pass through the Strait of Hormuz if they coordinate with Iranian authorities.
Iran Allows Non-Hostile Ships To Pass Through Hormuz
The statement noted that non-hostile ships, including those belonging to or associated with other countries, may transit the strait if they do not take part in aggression against Iran and follow all safety and security regulations. A note from Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs was sent to the 15-member Security Council and UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Sunday and circulated to 176 members of the London-based UN shipping agency, which oversees international maritime safety.