US President Donald Trump made bold remarks about his role in international diplomacy during a surprise appearance at the opening night of Les Misérables at the Kennedy Center, where he attended the event alongside First Lady Melania Trump.
Speaking briefly to reporters outside the venue, Trump said, “I stopped a nuclear war with trade. Nobody can do that. I told them—India and Pakistan—that it's been a long-time rivalry over Kashmir. I can solve anything.”
The president appeared confident as he recounted his recent diplomatic efforts regarding the armed conflict between India and Pakistan in May. “I’m the only one who could’ve stopped a nuclear war. Nobody else could’ve done it,” he said.
Trump emphasized that his approach of using trade negotiations helped de-escalate tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbours. “I told them the Kashmir dispute has gone on long enough,” he added. “I solve problems. That’s what I do.”
The remarks quickly gained traction online, sparking debate across political and diplomatic circles. While Trump's role in South Asia diplomacy during his presidency was notable, especially during his 2019 offer to mediate the Kashmir issue, the latest statement revives questions about the extent of U.S. influence in preventing regional conflict.
In recent weeks, Trump stated he ‘stopped the India‑Pakistan war’ and suggested it could have gone nuclear without his intervention,” explicitly tying his diplomatic efforts and trade policies to de-escalation in South Asia
Earlier, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt shared on social media an interaction with a Kashmiri waiter in Doha who apparently “thanked US President Donald Trump for his role in de‑escalating tensions” and helping to “prevent a potential nuclear confrontation” between India and Pakistan.
Trump warns Israel against striking Iran, says nuclear deal still possible
Trump has cautioned close ally Israel against launching an attack on Iran’s nuclear facilities, stating that a good deal with Tehran is still possible, provided Iran offers key concessions.
Speaking to reporters, Trump acknowledged that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is considering military action against Iran. However, the U.S. president warned that such a move could ignite a large-scale conflict in the region. In light of this concern, the United States has decided to reduce the number of its diplomats stationed in the Middle East.
“We are very close to a good deal,” Trump said. “I don’t want them [Israel] to attack because I think it could ruin everything. Maybe it would help, but it could also be very damaging.”
Positioning himself as a proponent of peace, Trump said he wants to avoid military confrontation with Iran but emphasized that Tehran must show greater flexibility for any agreement to be finalized.
“I want to avoid conflict,” Trump stated. “But Iran will have to offer things they currently aren’t willing to give.”
Meanwhile, U.S. Special Envoy for the Middle East Steve Whitkoff is set to participate in the sixth round of nuclear negotiations with Iran in Oman this Sunday. A key point of contention remains Iran’s recent announcement to increase its stockpile of enriched uranium.
