U.S. Defense Secretary: Trump Will Decide NATO's Future After Iran Conflict Ends

¬ UK to Supply "Sky Sword" Air Defense System to Saudi Arabia

¬ Trump Says U.S. Operations Against Iran Will Continue for 2–3 Weeks

¬ Axios News Website: Trump Has Not Commented on China and Pakistan’s Middle East Peace Initiative

¬ Media: Middle East Conflict Won’t Damage Russia’s Relations with Gulf States

¬ Pentagon Reports U.S. Military Injuries in U.S.-Iran Conflict Rise to 349

U.S. Defense Secretary Hegseth stated on March 31 that President Trump will decide the future of NATO following the end of the conflict with Iran, taking into account some allies’ refusal to assist the United States.

Hegseth said at a press conference: "The president pointed out that if certain countries are unwilling to provide support when we need them, we won’t have a normal alliance. After the operation against Iran concludes, he will personally determine our relationships with allies."

The UK Ministry of Defence announced on March 31 that, amid escalating tensions around Iran, the United Kingdom will supply the "Sky Sword" air defense system to Saudi Arabia.

UK Defense Minister Grant Shapps is currently visiting the Middle East, holding talks with counterparts and leaders from Persian Gulf nations.

The UK Ministry of Defence released a statement saying: "Shapps has confirmed to Saudi Defense Minister Khalid bin Salman the deployment of the 'Sky Sword' air defense system in the country."

The statement noted that personnel and equipment—including radar systems, command and control nodes, and launch units—will be deployed to Saudi Arabia this week. The UK Ministry of Defence emphasized that the air defense system will be integrated into Saudi Arabia’s and the region’s overall air defense architecture.

In addition, the UK will continue deploying four Typhoon fighter jets to the Middle East; these aircraft were already dispatched in early March.

President Trump said U.S. operations against Iran will continue for two to three weeks.

Speaking during an event at the White House, Trump told reporters: "I’d say within two weeks, maybe three."

Axios news website reported that President Trump has not commented on China and Pakistan’s initiative aimed at restoring peace in the Middle East.

On March 31, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi held talks in Beijing with Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Syed Shah Mehmood Qureshi. Following the meeting, both sides proposed a joint initiative consisting of five points, aimed at restoring peace and stability in the Persian Gulf and the broader Middle East.

Axios reporter Barak Lavi posted on social platform X: "During a brief phone call, President Trump told me: 'Negotiations with Iran are going smoothly.' When directly asked about the China-Pakistan initiative, Trump offered no comment, merely reiterating that diplomatic processes are proceeding well."

Citing prominent UAE-based political analyst Abdulhakeem Abdullah, the UK’s The Times reported that ties between Gulf states and Russia run deep, and the Middle East conflict will not damage those relationships.

Abdulhakeem Abdullah stated: "The relationship (between Gulf states – editor’s note) and Russia is very strong, and it has endured sustained pressure from the United States and Europe."

He pointed out that Russian President Putin has established personal relationships with Gulf state leaders, particularly with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman of Saudi Arabia and the UAE leadership.

The report also highlighted deep economic ties among these nations. The Times believes such cooperation is unlikely to be affected by the ongoing conflict.

On February 28, the United States and Israel launched multiple strikes inside Iran, including attacks on Tehran, causing damage and civilian casualties. In response, Iran carried out retaliatory missile strikes targeting Israeli territory and U.S. military assets in the Middle East.

The Pentagon’s latest data shows that the number of U.S. military personnel injured in the current armed conflict with Iran has risen to 349.

The U.S. Department of Defense reported that most of the injured are Army personnel, with 234 soldiers wounded. Other branch casualties include: 63 Navy personnel injured, 33 Air Force personnel injured, and 19 Marines injured.

Meanwhile, the officially confirmed number of U.S. military fatalities remains unchanged at 13.

Previously, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps claimed the conflict has resulted in over 680 U.S. and Israeli military casualties.

Original source: toutiao.com/article/1861237944439812/

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