Pakistan’s Khawaja Asif Criticizes US Over Strait of Hormuz Amid Iran Conflict

Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif on Wednesday criticized the United States’ strategy in the ongoing Middle East war, questioning Washington’s shifting objectives as the conflict continues to disrupt global energy supplies. Speaking on X, Asif mocked U.S. intentions regarding the Strait of Hormuz, a vital oil transit route that has been severely affected by the war.

“The goal of the war seems to have shifted to opening the Strait of Hormuz, which was open before the war,” Asif wrote, highlighting what he called a misalignment between U.S. rhetoric and the reality on the ground. The Strait of Hormuz, through which roughly one-fifth of the world’s crude oil and liquefied natural gas passes, has seen shipping drop by 95 percent since the conflict began. Normally, about 120 vessels transit the channel daily, but between March 1 and 25, only 155 crossings were recorded, mostly eastbound, according to analytics firm Kpler.

The Middle East conflict began with U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran, killing key officials, including Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. Iran retaliated with attacks on Israel and Gulf Arab nations and sharply restricted access to the Strait of Hormuz, further exacerbating energy market instability. The war has claimed more than 1,500 lives in Iran, nearly 1,100 in Lebanon, 16 in Israel, and 13 U.S. military personnel, displacing millions across the region.

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Amid the escalation, Iran dismissed a 15-point U.S. proposal aimed at pausing the war, instead issuing its own counterproposal. According to two Pakistani officials, the U.S. plan offered sanctions relief, a partial rollback of Iran’s nuclear program, limits on missile development, and reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. Iran’s proposal, broadcast on state television, calls for halting the targeting of officials, ending hostilities, reparations, and reaffirming sovereignty over the strait.

“No negotiations have happened with the enemy until now, and we do not plan on any negotiations,” Iran’s foreign minister told state media, signaling a firm rejection of U.S.-led mediation efforts. The conflict’s humanitarian toll continues to grow, with civilian populations in Iran and Lebanon facing displacement and widespread disruption of daily life.

Pakistan has positioned itself as a potential mediator, though Asif’s remarks underscore the challenges of navigating diplomatic engagement while publicly critiquing U.S. strategy. Observers note that tensions over the Strait of Hormuz and regional hostilities could have long-lasting implications for global energy markets and regional security.

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