Cites Pakistan-India Ceasefire as Proof of Diplomatic Success
WASHINGTON:
Amid rising hostilities between Israel and Iran, U.S. President Donald Trump expressed optimism on Sunday that peace could soon return to the Middle East — and hinted that Russian President Vladimir Putin might play a role in brokering it.
In a series of statements and interviews, Trump pointed to his alleged role in facilitating last month’s ceasefire between Pakistan and India as evidence of his peace-making credentials. Writing on his social platform Truth Social, he said, “Iran and Israel should make a deal, and will make a deal. We will have PEACE, soon, between Israel and Iran! Many calls and meetings now taking place.”
Trump emphasized that while the U.S. may become involved in mediating the crisis, credit for previous efforts, like the South Asian ceasefire, often goes unacknowledged. “I do a lot, and never get credit for anything, but that’s OK, the PEOPLE understand,” he wrote, echoing his trademark complaint about lack of recognition.
In an interview with ABC News, Trump revealed that he had spoken at length with President Putin about the conflict and said the Russian leader was “ready” to help. “This is something I believe is going to get resolved,” Trump asserted, noting that both Israel and Iran appear interested in dialogue following the recent escalation.
The recent wave of violence began Friday when Israel launched coordinated air and missile strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities and military leadership, reportedly killing several top generals and nuclear scientists. In retaliation, Iran fired a barrage of ballistic missiles and sent drone swarms deep into Israeli territory. The confrontation has triggered urgent diplomatic activity across global capitals.
Despite mounting efforts, both Iran and Israel have shown little willingness to de-escalate. Iran also refuted claims by Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides that it had used Cyprus to send a message to Israel, calling the assertion “baseless.”
Elsewhere, global leaders voiced concern and called for restraint. French President Emmanuel Macron, while visiting Greenland, said he hoped calm would return “in the coming hours.” German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said Germany, France, and Britain were prepared for immediate nuclear talks with Iran. U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer also emphasized diplomacy in a conversation with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan reportedly spoke with Trump by phone to discuss the conflict, as G7 leaders gathered in the Canadian Rockies, where the crisis was expected to dominate the agenda.
Trump, who previously claimed the U.S. was making progress in nuclear discussions with Iran, confirmed that a new round of talks scheduled for Sunday in Oman was cancelled due to the ongoing military exchanges. Still, he remained confident that diplomacy could prevail, especially with Putin’s involvement.
“They want to talk, and they will be talking,” Trump said, indicating that the current conflict might, paradoxically, create the necessary momentum for peace.
