Washington, 18 March (H.S.): President Donald Trump declared on Tuesday that securing the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global oil transit chokepoint, was imminent, despite NATO allies' reluctance to assist in the escalating conflict with Iran.
Speaking to reporters at the Oval Office, Trump dismissed apprehensions over a prolonged war, asserting, It won't be too long, while emphasizing relentless U.S. pressure on Iran's coastal defenses, according to sources.
Trump recounted ongoing strikes near the Strait of Hormuz, targeting Iranian missile sites with 5,000-pound bunker buster bombs, underscoring minimal allies' support. He praised regional partners like Israel and Middle Eastern states for their cooperation, yet expressed disappointment in NATO's refusal to contribute minesweepers or other resources. When questioned about potential quagmire risks akin to Vietnam, Trump responded with characteristic bravado, showing no fear of escalation.
During a separate Oval Office meeting, Trump criticized UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer for withholding support, contrasting him unfavorably with Winston Churchill. Ireland's President Catherine Connolly earlier condemned the Iran war as a violation of international law, prompting Trump's retort that European leaders should be thankful for U.S. actions preventing Iran's nuclear ambitions. Irish Taoiseach Micheal Martin refrained from labeling the strikes illegal but called them not in accordance with UN mandates, advocating for de-escalation.
The conflict intensified after Israel confirmed the killing of Iran's top security figure, Ali Larijani, in an airstrike, sparking Iranian vows of resilience. Iran's defense apparatus pledged to withstand such blows, even as U.S.-Israeli coalitions pressed on. Incident reports from Dubai noted debris falling after air defenses intercepted Iranian missiles, highlighting regional volatility. Trump's focus on Hormuz security comes amid warnings from Iran's deputy foreign minister about potential quagmires, though Trump brushed them off as inconsequential.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar
