Pakistan's Defence Minister Critiques US Strategy Amid Middle East Tensions

As tensions escalate in the Middle East, Pakistan's Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has criticized the US military strategy, suggesting a shift in focus towards the already accessible Strait of Hormuz. His comments come amid reports of Pakistan's attempts to mediate peace talks between the US and Iran. The Strait, a vital shipping route for global oil trade, has seen a drastic decline in traffic due to the ongoing conflict. Iran's Foreign Minister has also indicated that ships from friendly nations, including India, will be allowed passage through this critical chokepoint. This situation raises significant concerns about global energy security and regional stability.

By Narendra Chaudhary Mar 26, 2026, 10:39 IST

Escalating Conflict in the Middle East

Islamabad: In light of the intensifying conflict in the Middle East, Khawaja Asif, Pakistan's defence minister, publicly mocked the military strategy employed by the United States. He remarked that the objectives of the US and Israel have shifted towards reopening the Strait of Hormuz, which was already accessible prior to the conflict. His remarks surfaced as reports indicated Pakistan's efforts to facilitate peace negotiations between the US and Iran to resolve the ongoing crisis.

Asif stated on social media, "The aim of the war appears to have transitioned to reopening the Strait of Hormuz, which was previously open." This strait is a crucial maritime route connecting the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman, responsible for approximately 20% of the global oil and liquefied natural gas trade. As hostilities escalated, Iran adopted a new strategy to assert control over this vital passage.

Since the onset of the conflict, triggered by coordinated airstrikes from the US and Israel on Iran on February 28, followed by Iran's counteractions, there has been a dramatic reduction in shipping traffic through the strait, with reports indicating a 95% drop.

Previously, former President Trump had called on NATO allies to take charge of the Strait of Hormuz. Following his criticisms of NATO nations for their lack of support in the Iran conflict, the United Kingdom, along with France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, and Japan, agreed to participate in efforts to secure safe passage through this strategic waterway.

'India Recognized as a Friendly Nation by Iran': Iran's Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, announced that Tehran would allow vessels from 'friendly nations' such as China, Russia, India, Iraq, and Pakistan to navigate through the Strait of Hormuz. This declaration comes amid a significant decline in maritime traffic through the strait, a critical chokepoint for about one-fifth of the world's oil and liquefied natural gas, and a focal point in the ongoing conflict involving Iran, the United States, and Israel.