Swedish Defense Minister Pål Jonson does not rule out the possibility of Sweden contributing militarily to the conflict over Iran. The announcement comes after intense pressure from the US - and raises questions about how far Swedish commitments can go.
During a visit to Washington, Defense Minister Pål Jonson is asked about Sweden's role as the US pressures its NATO allies to contribute to the Strait of Hormuz conflict, reports Aftonbladet.
- We don't have the kind of platforms like frigates or destroyers. But I don't exclude that we can contribute in another form, for example politically or diplomatically.
At the same time, he opens up for more than that:
- Then we will see exactly what format we can support.
And when asked about military involvement, he replies that he does not rule out a ”military dimension”.
Jonson's visit to Washington DC is not just about visiting think tanks and the Swedish embassy. He is also there to participate in the shadowy Bilderberg meeting, as the only Swedish minister. This is completely omitted in the government's presentation of his US visit.
US pressure in ongoing war
The background is that the US is demanding support from NATO countries in the conflict with Iran, where the Strait of Hormuz has become a key point. According to reports, the alliance is urgently trying to put together a coalition to secure shipping in the area.
At the same time, the United States has sharply criticized allies who did not support it.
– NATO has been tried and failed, says the White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt.
Swedish military already linked to NATO
This development is taking place at the same time as Sweden is deepening its military cooperation within NATO. Government has recently proposed that up to 1,200 Swedish soldiers could be deployed to the Alliance forces in Finland.
These forces must be part of NATO's planning and be able to be deployed quickly in the event of a change of situation, without new decisions being taken in each situation.
This means that Swedish resources are already linked to a structure where operations are planned jointly between several countries.
Will not announce squad
When asked if Swedish personnel can be sent to the area, Jonson gives no clear answer.
- I do not want to speculate on this until we have received a request. We will have to come back depending on how the work progresses.
At the same time, it is clear that decisions on possible interventions are further ahead, depending on how discussions within the international coalition develop.
Opening in a live situation
The statements mean that Sweden is not closing the door to participation in an ongoing conflict outside Europe.
In a situation where NATO is under pressure to act and where the US demands support from its allies, the announcement shows how Swedish military resources can become part of larger international operations, even in conflicts far from Sweden's neighborhood.
He will not stop until he has won his beloved war!
In any case, I will not participate in Pål's war.
Paul-Pot can go by himself.
Agreed!
I guess it's important to butter up for the sake of the DSA agreement, but promising action to be taken too late is not profitable.
NATO are losers so he needs to dump NATO and invest in Swedish defense instead.
Mentally, he is not in Sweden, he is in the Nvo of the warriors.
Here you can really talk about the Americans defending the West from the axis of evil.
Iran has been waging war against Sweden with Kurdish foxes and child soldiers, clans, gangs occupying land with mosque buildings/terrorist nests and terrorists for at least 47 years.
This is where little Paul has to help.
Send 10 Jas to start with.
Nothing should be sent here.
He will be sent to El Salvador to serve his sentence for treason.
So true plus don't forget Fredrik R, KönsbytesUlf, Sharia-Annie plus the Mass Destruction Party.
They all belong in prison in El Salvador.
It must be possible to report him for treason
The man who gives a face to the word traitor