WASHINGTON D.C. (Feb 28, 2026) — U.S. President Donald Trump has signaled a major diplomatic shift by offering strong support for Pakistan as it declares a state of “open war” against the Taliban-led government in Afghanistan.
Key Presidential Remarks
-
Praise for Leadership: Trump declined to intervene directly, citing his high respect for Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and military chief Field Marshal Asim Munir. “I would [intervene], but you have a great prime minister… a great leader,” Trump told reporters.
-
The Conflict: The statement follows a massive Pakistani aerial operation targeting 29 locations in Afghanistan, including Kabul and Kandahar. Pakistan claims to have killed nearly 300 militants, while the Taliban claims to have killed 55 Pakistani soldiers.
-
U.S. Stance: The State Department officially backed Pakistan’s “right to defend itself,” criticizing the Taliban for failing to uphold counterterrorism commitments and allowing Afghanistan to become a “launching pad” for attacks.
Regional & Global Reactions
The escalation marks the most significant military conflict in the region since the 2021 U.S. withdrawal.
-
International Calls: While the U.S. backs Islamabad, the UK has called for de-escalation, China has urged a ceasefire, and Iran has offered to mediate the crisis.
-
Security Alerts: The U.S. Embassy in Pakistan has issued a high-level travel advisory for American citizens, warning that military and commercial centers remain likely targets for retaliatory strikes.
This pivot marks a notable warming of U.S.-Pakistan relations under the second Trump administration, contrasting with the strained ties of previous years.
