Trump stated that he does not want a truce with Iran, and again lashed out at NATO allies

Photo: Heather Diehl/Getty Images

These statements came amidst reports from American media that the United States is sending additional forces to the Middle East, which may indicate preparations for a ground operation. Trump himself had previously ruled out such an option, writes the BBC.

"I think we won," Trump said in a conversation with reporters on the White House lawn, standing alongside Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

"I don't want a ceasefire. You know that you don't make ceasefire agreements when you are literally destroying the enemy," he added, reiterating once again that Iran has no navy, no air force, no other equipment, and no leaders left.

Nevertheless, Iran has effectively blocked the Strait of Hormuz, which led to a sharp rise in global oil prices, and numerous commercial vessels have gathered in the Persian Gulf.

Earlier, American media, including NBC News, Wall Street Journal, and Axios, reported that U.S. Marine Corps units were heading to the region on several ships, and the White House was considering sending additional troops to the Middle East.

On Friday, Axios also reported that the American administration is considering plans to occupy or blockade the Iranian island of Kharg, through which 90% of Iranian oil exports pass. This, the administration hopes, will allow it to pressure Iran and force it to unblock the Strait of Hormuz.

Earlier, the U.S. had struck the island, and Trump emphasized that the strikes targeted military facilities, but not oil infrastructure. Iranian authorities also stated that the infrastructure was not damaged.

On Friday, Trump, responding to a request from an AFP correspondent to comment on these reports, said: "I may have a plan, or I may not." Previously, the White House had informed the agency that the U.S. could simply "destroy" this oil hub at any moment, should the American leader wish it.

On Friday morning, Donald Trump again lashed out at other NATO countries for allies allegedly not heeding his request for help in ensuring the security of the Strait of Hormuz.

"Without the US, NATO is a paper tiger! They didn't want to go to war against Iran, which possesses nuclear weapons. Now this war is militarily won, and for them, it practically poses no danger. They complain about the high oil prices they have to pay but don't want to help open the Strait of Hormuz [...]. It's so easy for them to do, with such minimal risk. HEARTLESS, and we will REMEMBER that!" — he wrote on his social network Truth Social.

Hours after this statement, Britain announced that it had allowed the U.S. to use its bases to strike Iranian facilities threatening the Strait of Hormuz.

Previously, London had allowed American forces to use British bases for operations to prevent Iran from launching missiles that could threaten British property or the lives of British citizens, but after Friday's meeting, it was decided to allow the U.S. to use British bases to protect vessels in the Strait of Hormuz.

Britain will still not directly participate in the strikes, and "the principles underlying the UK's approach to the conflict remain unchanged."

In a conversation with journalists, Trump called London's reaction belated.

"Frankly, I was a bit surprised by the UK's behavior — they should have acted much faster," said Trump, who had previously repeatedly criticized British Prime Minister Keir Starmer for his unwillingness to assist Washington in the early stages of the operation.

Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, commenting on the latest reports, stated that Starmer "is endangering British lives" because of the decision on the bases, and warned that Iran "will exercise its right to self-defense."

"The vast majority of Britons do not want to participate in Israel's and the U.S.'s war against Iran. By ignoring his own people, Mr. Starmer is endangering British lives by allowing British bases to be used for aggression against Iran," he wrote on social network X.

Earlier, Iran's Foreign Ministry reported that Araghchi had a phone conversation with the head of the Foreign Office, Yvette Cooper, during which he stated that any assistance provided by Britain to the U.S. would lead to escalation.

• 1
• 0
• 1
• 2
• 1
• 0
• 0
• 0