US President Donald Trump has refused to intervene in the escalating conflict between Pakistan and Afghanistan. Speaking to reporters, he praised Pakistan’s leadership, calling it “great.” He referred to Field Marshal Asim Munir and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif as leaders he respects. Trump said Pakistan is doing “terrifically well.”
His remarks followed Pakistan’s declaration of “open war.” Defence Minister Khawaja Asif made the announcement after cross-border strikes intensified. Pakistan claimed it targeted 29 sites, including in Kandahar and Kabul. Officials said 297 Afghan Taliban fighters were killed. Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid claimed Afghan forces killed 55 Pakistani soldiers.
Prime Minister Sharif said Pakistan’s forces can “crush” aggressors. The US State Department backed Pakistan’s right to self-defence. It criticised the Taliban for failing counterterrorism commitments since the 2021 US withdrawal.
Meanwhile, the United Kingdom urged de-escalation, China called for a ceasefire, and Iran offered mediation. The US Embassy in Pakistan warned Americans about potential terror threats at military and commercial sites.
