Hegseth Criticizes Europe’s Iran Response
War Secretary Pete Hegseth continued his attacks on Europe, accusing them of holding a ‘silly conference’ and not making ‘serious efforts’ on Iran, as he held the latest Pentagon briefing on Friday.
“I know there are a lot of talks. You saw the, I would call it a silly conference in Europe last week where they got together and talked about talking about maybe doing something eventually when things are done,” he said. “Those are not serious efforts yet. We would welcome that.”
Call for European Action in the Strait of Hormuz
“We would welcome a serious European effort to do something about this Strait and this passage, considering it’s their energy capabilities that are most at stake. I think it’s a wake-up call. It’s a wake-up call for countries around the world. Either you have capabilities or you don’t.
Otherwise, you’re at the behest of a country like Iran, and the only country that can do something about it is the United States military,” he added.
Trump Escalates Pressure on NATO Allies
Donald Trump has repeatedly condemned NATO and European allies for failing to ‘step up’ and assist the US on Iran, even suggesting he could withdraw from the alliance, which he dubbed a ‘paper tiger’.
Earlier this week, Trump said he was extending the ceasefire with Iran – set to expire Wednesday – “until such time as their leaders and representatives can come up with a unified proposal.”
Iran-Pakistan Talks Resume Amid Fragile Ceasefire
On Friday, Pakistani media reported that an Iranian delegation led by Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi was set to arrive in Islamabad the same day.
The US and Iran agreed on the initial two-week ceasefire on April 8, following five and a half weeks of fighting, and a global energy crisis surrounding the Strait of Hormuz. Both sides accused each other of violating the truce.
The first round of talks was held in Islamabad on April 11-12, with more scheduled for earlier this week, but those did not materialise.
Article by Viory
More from Wake Up Singapore:
Red card or rumour? – Trump, Rubio on ‘speculation’ about replacing Iran with Italy at World Cup
Iranians Form Human Chains Defying Trump’s ‘Stone Age’ Threats Across the Nation
If you have a story or a tip-off, email admin@wakeup.sg or get in touch via Whatsapp at 8882 5913.
Interested in advertising on our media channels? Reach out to us at admin@wakeup.sg!
Since you have made it to the end of the article, follow Wake Up Singapore on Telegram and X!
Wake Up Singapore is a volunteer-run site that covers alternative views in Singapore. If you want to volunteer with us, sign up here!
