Washington DC (US), May 13, 2026, BNN Web Staff: US President Donald Trump has asserted that the United States will emerge victorious in the ongoing confrontation with Iran “peacefully or otherwise,” while claiming that Tehran’s military capabilities have been severely weakened.
Speaking to reporters before departing for China on Tuesday, Trump dismissed the possibility of seeking assistance from Chinese President Xi Jinping in dealing with Iran.
“We’ll win it one way or the other. We’ll win it peacefully or otherwise,” Trump said, adding that Iran’s navy, air force and broader military infrastructure had been effectively destroyed.
The US President further warned that Iran would either “do the right thing” or face stronger action from Washington. He also defended the ongoing blockade against Tehran, describing it as “100 per cent effective.”
According to Trump, the restrictions imposed on Iran would eventually stabilise energy supplies and boost oil availability globally. “It’s going to work out very well,” he told reporters while discussing the impact of the blockade on oil markets.
Trump also used the occasion to criticise North Atlantic Treaty Organization, saying the alliance had failed to provide adequate support during recent tensions.
“NATO was very disappointing to me. We don’t need NATO, but if we did, they just weren’t there,” he remarked.
Meanwhile, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte expressed confidence in the alliance’s long-term strength despite the growing crisis in the Middle East.
According to international media reports, Rutte said NATO’s immediate focus remains on maritime security and maintaining stability in the region, particularly around critical trade routes such as the Strait of Hormuz.
The strategic waterway has become a major flashpoint amid rising tensions between the United States and Iran. Reports indicate that tanker movement through the corridor has slowed significantly following military escalation and retaliatory naval measures in the region.
Rutte also highlighted increased defence spending commitments by European nations and Canada, stating that NATO members remained committed to strengthening the alliance despite current geopolitical challenges.
