Kamal Ghorui
NEW DELHI: Pakistan defence minister Khawaja Asif took a jibe at the United States and Israel, saying that the goal of their war against Iran has “shifted to reopening the Strait of Hormuz.”Click here for live updates“The goal of the war seems to have shifted to opening the Strait of Hormuz, which was open before the war,” Asif posted on X on Wednesday.
Khawaja Asif X post
Iran has effectively blocked the Strait of Hormuz in retaliation for the US and Israeli strikes on February 28. The waterway is a key global route, carrying about 20% of the world’s crude oil shipments, making it crucial for international energy supplies.Also Read | ‘Friendly nations’ only: Iran allows India, Pakistan, 3 other countries to use Strait of Hormuz amid warOn Monday, US President Donald Trump backed off his threat to “hit and obliterate” Iran’s power plants after giving Tehran a 48-hour “ultimatum” to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. He announced a five-day pause, saying there were “productive talks” between Washington and Tehran.Iran, however, rejected that claim.Previously, Trump pressed US allies to send their navies to help escort vessels through the Strait of Hormuz, but many countries declined to commit warships despite his calls.Iran has maintained that the waterway remains open for international shipping except for its “enemies” — a not‑so‑veiled reference to the US and Israel.Pakistan has reportedly offered to mediate between the United States and Iran, with US Vice President JD Vance expected to travel to Islamabad for the talks.Also Read | Iran wants to negotiate with JD Vance, rejects Kushner, Witkoff: Who’s involved in peace talks?According to reports, Pakistan is positioning itself as a “neutral venue,” with contacts underway to hold a meeting in the neighbouring country’s capital.Pakistan’s powerful army chief, Asim Munir, is also said to have spoken with Trump, while Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has held multiple conversations with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian.
