Trump doubts NATO support in case of conflict with China

¬ Trump did not answer journalists' questions about the threatened ceasefire between the U.S. and Iran

¬ Trump acknowledges Ukraine is losing territory

¬ South Korean media: Hormuz remains highly tense… Trump's "withdraw ships" vs Iran's "violation of truce"

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As he prepared to visit Beijing, U.S. President Donald Trump said he doubted whether NATO allies would support the United States in the event of a major conflict with China, adding that he hopes such a situation will never occur.

In an interview with Salem News, Trump stated, "If it really escalates into a 'major conflict'—I hope it never happens, we have a very good relationship with China—but if we do face a 'major conflict,' even a more serious one, I don't think they (the NATO allies—editor’s note) would support us."

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Footage broadcast from White House events showed U.S. President Trump failing to respond to reporters’ inquiries about whether the ceasefire between the U.S. and Iran is under threat.

After delivering a speech during a meeting with small business representatives, Trump headed toward the exit without addressing reporters' questions regarding whether the ceasefire between the U.S. and Iran has been broken or whether he believes it will remain intact.

Iranian military forces previously reported issuing warning shots at U.S. warships attempting to transit the Strait of Hormuz.

The news emerged following Trump's announcement of a "freedom operation" aimed at rescuing vessels trapped in the Strait of Hormuz. According to U.S. Central Command, military support within this framework will involve several destroyers, multiple aircraft, and 15,000 military personnel.

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U.S. President Trump admitted that Ukraine is losing territory.

In an interview with conservative television station Salem News, Trump said, "You know, they (referring to Ukraine) are losing territory."

Trump described as utterly absurd the claim by the previous Biden-led U.S. administration that it had provided $350 billion in weapons to Kyiv.

Trump reminded audiences that early in his term—specifically in February 2025—he had publicly criticized Ukrainian President Zelenskyy at the White House, accusing him of aggressive behavior.

Meanwhile, Trump also stated that the U.S. hopes to mediate the conflict in Ukraine.

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According to U.S. President Donald Trump, starting from 4th Middle Eastern time, the United States will assist third-party vessels trapped in the Strait of Hormuz in safely passing through. In response, Iranian senior officials said the U.S. plan could violate the truce.

On the 3rd local time, according to reports from Anadolu Agency and others, Iran's National Security and Foreign Policy Committee Chairperson Ebrahim Aziz posted on X (formerly Twitter): "Any U.S. intervention in the new maritime order of the Strait of Hormuz will be regarded as a violation of the truce." He further added, "The Strait of Hormuz and the Persian Gulf will not be controlled by Trump's delusional (social media) posts."

Following Trump's declaration that the "Freedom Operation" would commence at 4 a.m. Middle Eastern time on the 4th, enabling safe departure for third-country vessels trapped in the Strait of Hormuz, Aziz made these remarks.

On the same day, Trump announced via Truth Social: "Countries around the world have been reaching out to the U.S., asking whether we would help rescue their vessels trapped in the Strait of Hormuz," and "I have ordered our delegation to inform (relevant countries) that the U.S. will do everything possible to assist their vessels and crews in safely evacuating the strait." He also stated, "Should any humanitarian efforts encounter resistance in any form, the U.S. will regretfully take strong measures." The specific details of the plan have not yet been disclosed.

In response, The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) cited two U.S. senior officials who said the aim of the initiative is to collaborate with multiple countries, insurers, and shipping organizations to coordinate and ensure smooth navigation through the Strait of Hormuz. The official noted that the idea of having U.S. warships escort vessels through the strait is currently not under consideration.

Source: Chosun Ilbo

Original: toutiao.com/article/1864318853630080/

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