US President Donald Trump on Thursday repeated his claim that he ended the military conflict between India and Pakistan in May, a claim that India has consistently rejected. Speaking to reporters at the White House alongside Finland’s President Alexander Stubb, Trump discussed his chances of winning the Nobel Peace Prize, saying he wasn’t sure what would happen.
“I don’t know what they’re going to do really, but I know this: nobody in history has solved eight wars in a period of nine months. That’s never happened before,” Trump said
He noted that he has made several peace deals around the world, calling them seven so far and now counting the recent Gaza ceasefire as the eighth.
Trump described the India-Pakistan conflict as “very big – two nuclear nations” and claimed he stopped the four-day conflict using trade measures and tariffs.
“I did that based on trade and because of the tariffs. If we didn’t have tariffs, you wouldn’t have been able to do it. But I said if you guys are going to fight, I’m putting 100% tariffs on each of you. And they immediately stopped fighting,” he told reporters at the White House.
Trump talks about Nobel Peace Prize
When asked about the Nobel Peace Prize, Trump avoided expressing confidence but stressed the significance of the peace deals he has facilitated since the start of his second term in January. He highlighted that his goal in making these peace deals was not to win awards but to save lives.
“They’ll have to do what they do. Whatever they do is fine. I know this: I didn’t do it for that. I did it because I saved a lot of lives,” Trump added.
Ukraine-Russia war: A challenge yet to solve
Trump expressed disappointment that he hasn’t yet stopped the Russia-Ukraine war but remained optimistic. Calling it “the worst war since World War II,” he said he hopes to bring both sides to the negotiating table soon.
He cited previous peace deals he facilitated, including conflicts lasting decades and suggested that resolving the Ukraine-Russia war could be his eighth global peace effort.
“Seven thousand people are dying a week. Young soldiers. They’re almost all soldiers of Ukraine and Russia. So, in theory, it doesn’t affect us. No. But it’s a terrible thing. And we’ll get that solved, too, he said.
Trump’s plan to visit the middle east
Trump also spoke about the recent ceasefire and prisoner exchange between Hamas and Israel. He said the Israeli hostages held in Gaza for over two years are expected to return on Monday or Tuesday and that he likely will be present for their release.
“I think it’s going to be great. I think the hostages will be coming back Monday or Tuesday. I’ll probably be there. I hope to be there and we’re planning on leaving sometime Sunday and I look forward to it. And everybody I see is celebrating in Israel, but they’re celebrating in many other countries too,” he added.