US President Donald Trump again claimed on Tuesday that the Iranian army has been completely destroyed and that America will win this war “peacefully or otherwise”. He said these things while talking to journalists before leaving for China.
When asked if he expected Chinese President Xi Jinping to intervene in Iran, Trump said, “No, I don’t think we need any help with Iran. We’re going to win it one way or another. We’re going to win it peacefully or one way or another. Their navy is gone, their air force is gone, every single part of their war machine is gone.”
Responding to another question on Iran, he further said that the country has been defeated militarily and, “They will either do the right thing or we will destroy them.”
The US President also described the blockade as “100% effective”. He told the media, “This blockade has been very effective; it has been 100% effective. And one way or another, the result will be very good. I think you will have so much oil, such a tremendous reserve of oil as never before.”
He also criticized NATO and described it as disappointing. Trump said, “NATO has been very disappointing to me. When we needed NATO, they weren’t with us. We don’t need NATO. But even if we needed them, they wouldn’t be with us.”
Meanwhile, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte had earlier expressed deep confidence in the long-term longevity of this military alliance, although he also acknowledged that the growing crisis related to Iran is currently at the top of the global security agenda. According to a report, NATO Secretary General said that the immediate strategic concerns focus on maritime security and regional stability.
The discussions come amid rising tensions in the Middle East, with NATO members considering their role in protecting vital trade routes. This alliance is now paying more attention to the collective responsibility of its European members on how to handle areas of regional tension.
Despite these immediate geopolitical constraints, Rutte remains confident of the bloc’s internal standing and financial commitment. “When it comes to the more fundamental question of NATO’s future, I am much more optimistic,” he said.