US lacks ‘coherent strategy’ in Iran conflict, says Swedish prime minister

Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson on Wednesday said the US appears to lack a coherent strategy in its war with Iran, adding to a growing chorus of European criticism.

Speaking to Swedish Radio News, Kristersson said it remains unclear how Washington intends to achieve its stated objective of preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.

“Right now, I’m struggling to see any coherent strategy behind this,” Kristersson said, questioning the direction of the US approach.

His remarks came as other European leaders have also voiced concern over the direction of the conflict.

On Monday, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz criticized the US for lacking an “exit strategy” in the Iran war, while arguing that Washington had been “humiliated” during negotiations with Tehran.

Earlier, French President Emmanuel Macron urged a more serious and consistent approach.

“This is not a show. We are talking about war and peace and the lives of men and women,” Macron said, adding: "And maybe you shouldn't be speaking every day. You should just let things quieten down."

The US and Israel launched a joint offensive against Iran on Feb. 28, prompting Tehran to respond with strikes on what it described as US interests across the region, many of them in Gulf countries.

A ceasefire was announced on April 8 through Pakistani mediation, followed by talks hosted in Islamabad on April 11-12, but the negotiations ended without an agreement.

US President Donald Trump later said the truce had been extended at Pakistan’s request pending a proposal from Tehran.

He signaled Monday that he was unlikely to accept Iran’s latest proposal to end the war after Tehran proposed a plan to reopen the Strait of Hormuz while leaving questions about its nuclear program for later negotiations.