Trump says US does not need help from allies on Iran
WASHINTON: U.S. President Donald Trump declared Tuesday that American forces “no longer need” military assistance from allies in the ongoing conflict with Iran, as the war enters its third week with mounting casualties and regional disruption.
“Because of the fact that we have had such Military Success, we no longer ‘need,’ or desire, the NATO Countries’ assistance, WE NEVER DID! Likewise, Japan, Australia, or South Korea,” Trump posted on his Truth Social network. “WE DO NOT NEED THE HELP OF ANYONE!”
The announcement follows a wave of targeted strikes in the Middle East. Israel reported it had killed Iran’s powerful national security chief, Ali Larijani, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu calling him the leader of “the gang of gangsters” controlling the Islamic Republic. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz confirmed Larijani was “eliminated last night,” although Iran has not confirmed the report.
Netanyahu said the Iranian people would ultimately have the chance to determine their own future. “The overthrow of Iran’s authorities will not happen all at once, it will not happen easily. But if we persist, we will give them a chance to take their fate into their own hands,” he said.
If verified, Larijani’s death represents a major blow to Iran’s ruling system, which has been under strain since US-Israeli strikes on February 28 killed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The conflict has triggered a regional war, upended global markets, and displaced millions.
Larijani, 68, had been a central figure in Iran’s government for decades, close to the late Ayatollah and influential in nuclear policy and strategic diplomacy. Since the outbreak of war, he became even more prominent, appearing at a pro-government rally in Tehran last week while Iran’s new supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, has remained unseen.
Escalating Attacks Across the Region
The conflict has spread across the Middle East, with strikes reported in Gulf nations, Iraq, Lebanon, and Iran. Israel also announced the killings of Gholamreza Soleimani, head of the Basij paramilitary force, and targeted Akram al-Ajouri, head of Palestinian Islamic Jihad’s military wing, though his death remains unconfirmed.
Meanwhile, Tehran-backed Hezbollah in Lebanon has attacked Israel in retaliation for Khamenei’s killing. Israel has responded with airstrikes and ground troop deployments near Beirut, resulting in casualties among Lebanese military personnel. The Lebanese health ministry reports 886 deaths from Israeli strikes since March 2, with over a million displaced.
In Israel, sirens sounded in the north following warnings of Iranian missile launches, while distant blasts were heard from Jerusalem. Iran also struck the United Arab Emirates, temporarily closing airspace and hitting oil facilities.
Strait of Hormuz Remains Tense
The Strait of Hormuz, a key passage for global oil supplies, remains largely closed. Trump has urged allies including NATO members, China, Japan, and South Korea to assist in reopening it. Several countries, including Germany, Spain, Italy, Japan, and Australia, have declined immediate involvement, citing lack of mandate from the UN, EU, or NATO.
Oil prices surged nearly three percent Tuesday amid ongoing threats and attacks. Trump expressed frustration at allies he says have been unenthusiastic despite long-standing US support.
International Law Concerns
Iran’s Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi responded to recent US statements about “no quarter” in conflict, warning that such directives violate international humanitarian law. The International Committee of the Red Cross prohibits ordering no survivors or conducting hostilities on that basis.
Despite US and Israeli claims of significantly weakening Iran’s military, Tehran continues to launch missile and drone attacks across the region. Iranian officials assert that the country’s offensive capabilities remain intact, emphasizing the need for regional security solutions.
As the conflict continues, casualties rise and energy markets face increasing volatility. Analysts warn the war could escalate further, with no immediate end in sight.