Trump Promises to Address Pakistan-Afghanistan Tensions After Middle East Visit
Washington / Tel Aviv: U.S. President Donald Trump has said he is aware of the rising tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan and plans to address the issue once he returns from his ongoing Middle East visit. Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One en route to Israel, Trump described himself as someone who is “good at solving wars,” while claiming credit for resolving multiple international conflicts during his presidency.
Trump’s comments came as he prepared to land in Israel for a major address to the Knesset, the Israeli parliament, before continuing to Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt, for a high-level leaders’ summit on ending the Gaza war.
Trump Boasts of Ending Global Conflicts
During his conversation with reporters, Trump reiterated his claim of having successfully mediated and ended several prolonged global conflicts — including disputes involving India and Pakistan.
“This will be my eighth war that I have solved,” Trump said. “And I hear there is a war now going on between Pakistan and Afghanistan. I said, I’ll have to wait till I get back — I’m doing another one now. Because I’m good at solving wars.”
The president’s remarks sparked both curiosity and skepticism, as he claimed to have resolved some of the world’s longest-running disputes “within a day.”
“Think about India and Pakistan,” Trump continued. “Some of those wars had been going on for 31, 32, or even 37 years, with millions of people being killed in every country. And I got every one of those done, for the most part, within a day. It’s pretty good.”
While no official records support Trump’s assertions about having ended these wars, the president has frequently cited his diplomatic and trade-based approaches as effective tools for peace.
Talks of the Nobel Peace Prize and “Saving Millions of Lives”
President Trump also brought up the Nobel Peace Prize, saying that his diplomatic efforts and conflict resolution initiatives had saved “millions of lives.”
“It’s an honour to do it. I saved millions of lives,” he said. “In fairness to the Nobel committee, it was for 2024. But some say you could make an exception because a lot of things happened during 2025 that are done and complete and great. But I didn’t do this for the Nobel — I did it to save lives.”
The remarks drew mixed reactions, with some of his supporters applauding his confidence, while critics viewed the comments as self-congratulatory and exaggerated.
“Tariffs Settled Wars” — Trump Credits Economic Pressure for Peace
Trump went on to describe his unique approach to diplomacy, emphasizing that he used economic leverage, especially tariffs, to prevent or end conflicts.
“I settled a few wars just based on tariffs,” Trump claimed. “Between India and Pakistan, I said if you guys want to fight a war and you have nuclear weapons, I’m going to put big tariffs on both of you — 100%, 150%, 200%.”
He added that the mere threat of harsh economic penalties helped defuse tensions almost immediately.
“I said, I’m putting tariffs, and I had that thing settled in 24 hours. If I didn’t have tariffs, you could never have settled that war.”
The comment reflects Trump’s long-held belief that economic pressure can achieve more than traditional diplomacy, a strategy he often refers to as “peace through strength.”
Focus on the Middle East: Israel and Gaza Ceasefire
Trump’s remarks about South Asia came as part of a broader conversation about his foreign policy efforts, particularly in the Middle East, where he continues to pursue an end to the ongoing Gaza conflict.
The U.S., along with Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey, recently mediated what has been described as a first-phase agreement between Israel and Hamas. The deal includes a ceasefire and the exchange of hostages and prisoners, which Trump has called one of his most significant diplomatic achievements to date.
“This will be my eighth war that I have solved,” Trump said confidently, referring to the Gaza truce.
According to White House officials, Trump’s upcoming address to the Knesset will focus on “lasting peace in the Middle East” and reaffirm the U.S. commitment to security in the region.
After his speech in Israel, Trump is scheduled to travel to Sharm El Sheikh for a global peace summit, where leaders from around the world — including Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas — are expected to discuss ways to permanently end hostilities in Gaza and rebuild the war-torn region.
Peace Rally in Tel Aviv Draws Thousands
Ahead of Trump’s visit, his envoy Steve Witkoff and former senior adviser Jared Kushner addressed a large peace rally in Tel Aviv on Saturday. Thousands of Israelis gathered in what many hoped would be the final public rally demanding the release of hostages and an end to the war.
“For two years, we have been waiting for this day,” said demonstrator Dalia Yosef, one of the many participants at the rally. “We are happy for the families and for the hostages — finally, we will see them.”
The rally was marked by optimism, with many participants thanking Trump for his mediation efforts.
“Thank you, President Trump,” Yosef added. “We have waited too long for peace.”
Pakistan-Afghanistan Conflict: A Brewing Challenge
Trump’s acknowledgment of the Pakistan-Afghanistan border tensions comes amid escalating clashes reported along the Durand Line, with both nations trading accusations of aggression.
The conflict reportedly stems from cross-border strikes and disputes over militant movements, heightening fears of a wider regional confrontation. Analysts believe Trump’s statement signals Washington’s growing concern over instability in South Asia — particularly at a time when U.S. forces remain focused on Middle Eastern diplomacy.
Trump’s comments suggest he intends to personally intervene once he returns to Washington, though officials have not outlined any specific U.S. strategy or diplomatic initiative yet.
Looking Ahead: Trump’s Peace Mission and Global Diplomacy
As Trump embarks on what he describes as his “peace mission” to the Middle East, his remarks about Pakistan and Afghanistan indicate that South Asia may soon become another arena for U.S. diplomatic engagement.
The president’s supporters argue that his unconventional style — mixing economic threats with negotiation — has produced tangible results, citing the recent Gaza ceasefire as proof of his effectiveness.
Critics, however, remain skeptical, accusing Trump of inflating his achievements and oversimplifying complex geopolitical conflicts.
Still, as the world watches his Middle East tour unfold, Trump appears determined to position himself as a global peacemaker, leveraging his confidence and negotiation tactics to strengthen his image ahead of future political ambitions.