Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has taken a swipe at the United States over its evolving military strategy in the ongoing Iran conflict, suggesting that Washington’s war objectives appear to have changed mid course.

In a recent statement, Asif remarked that the goal of the war seems to have shifted, pointing specifically to what he described as a new focus on reopening the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial global oil transit route. He added sarcastically that the waterway was already open before the war, questioning the coherence of the current strategy.

The comments come amid escalating tensions in the Middle East, where the conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran has significantly disrupted global energy supplies. The Strait of Hormuz, through which a substantial portion of the world’s crude oil passes, has seen severe disruptions following retaliatory actions by Iran after initial strikes.

Asif’s remarks reflect Pakistan’s increasingly vocal stance on the geopolitical fallout of the conflict. Islamabad has been positioning itself as a potential mediator between Washington and Tehran, even as it criticizes the shifting narrative of the military campaign.

The defence minister’s statement also underscores broader concerns about the direction and impact of the war, particularly on global trade routes and energy markets. Analysts note that disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz have already led to a sharp decline in shipping activity, intensifying fears of a wider economic fallout.

As the conflict continues, Pakistan has called for dialogue and de escalation, while maintaining diplomatic engagement with multiple stakeholders. However, Asif’s pointed remarks highlight growing skepticism in the region over the clarity and consistency of Western military objectives in Iran. 

This image is taken from Times of India.