‘Like I Got India And Pakistan…’: Donald Trump Claims Credit For Ceasefire Again, Hints At Brokering Israel-Iran Peace Deal

Washington: US President Donald Trump has thrown his weight behind brokering peace between Israel and Iran, reiterating claims of him diffusing tensions between India and Pakistan, a remark repeatedly denied by India. Amid the ongoing conflict between the two Middle Eastern foes, Trump expressed confidence that a deal is achievable, drawing parallels with his intervention in conflicts between India and Pakistan, Serbia and Kosovo, and Egypt and Ethiopia.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump wrote, "Iran and Israel should make a deal, and will make a deal, just like I got India and Pakistan to make, in that case by using trade with the United States to bring reason, cohesion, and sanity into the talks." He again stressed on the significance of his role in preventing conflicts, saying, "During my first term, Serbia and Kosovo were going at it hot and heavy... I stopped it." Trump also mentioned the dispute between Egypt and Ethiopia over the Nile River dam, claiming, "There is peace, at least for now, because of my intervention, and it will stay that way."

The backdrop to Trump's statement is the recent escalation of violence between Israel and Iran. Israel launched Operation Rising Lion, targeting Iran's nuclear, missile, and military infrastructure, prompting Iran to retaliate with missile strikes. The situation remains volatile, with both sides trading blows and rhetoric.

Claims And Reality

Donald Trump's assertion of brokering peace between India and Pakistan has been met with skepticism, particularly in India, where the government has clarified that the recent ceasefire was a result of direct talks between the Directors General of Military Operations of the two countries. However, despite denials at multiple global platforms of his claims, Donald Trump remains optimistic about his ability to facilitate peace in the Middle East.

"Likewise, we will have peace soon between Israel and Iran! Many calls and meetings are now taking place," Trump said, expressing his confidence in a swift resolution. He concluded his message with a call to action, "Make the Middle East Great Again!"

Donald Trump stated: 

"Iran and Israel should make a deal, and will make a deal, just like I got India and Pakistan to make, in that case by using TRADE with the United States to bring reason, cohesion, and sanity into the talks with two excellent leaders who were able to quickly make a decision and STOP!  

Also, during my first term, Serbia and Kosovo were going at it hot and heavy, as they have for many decades, and this long-time conflict was ready to break out into WAR. I stopped it (Biden has hurt the longer-term prospects with some very stupid decisions, but I will fix it, again!).

Another case is Egypt and Ethiopia, and their fight over a massive dam that is having an effect on the magnificent Nile River. There is peace, at least for now, because of my intervention, and it will stay that way! Likewise, we will have PEACE soon between Israel and Iran! Many calls and meetings now taking place. I do a lot, and never get credit for anything, but that’s OK, the PEOPLE understand. MAKE THE MIDDLE EAST GREAT AGAIN!"

Situation On The Ground

The conflict between Israel and Iran has resulted in massive damage and loss of life. Iran has launched ballistic missile strikes against Israel, with reports indicating that 22 missiles hit Israeli targets. Israel has warned of broader strikes and advised Iranian civilians to evacuate arms factories.

Meanwhile, in the midst of the escalation of tensions between the two nations, Trump's comments have again triggered discussions about the role of external intervention in resolving the conflict. 

Iran-Israel Conflict Surges

The conflict between Israel and Iran escalated on its third day, with both countries launching new attacks that resulted in massive loss of life and heightened fears of a broader regional conflict. In Tehran, an Israeli missile struck a residential building, killing at least 60 people, including 29 children. In northern Israel, a separate attack killed three women and injured 10 others, prompting Tehran to retaliate with a barrage of missiles that killed four people in Israel's Galilee region.

Israel's military offensive expanded with strikes on Iran's defence ministry headquarters in Tehran and a major gas processing facility in Bushehr province. These attacks follow Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's order for a large-scale assault on Iran, targeting nuclear sites, military infrastructure, and key leaders. The strikes reportedly hit over 150 locations, killing top commanders and nuclear scientists. Netanyahu vowed further action, warning Iran of more severe consequences ahead.

In response, Iran launched around 200 ballistic missiles and drones at Israel, most of which were intercepted with US assistance. Meanwhile, at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit, India called for dialogue and diplomacy to ease tensions, after the group condemned Israel's strikes. India chose not to endorse the condemnation, instead emphasising restraint.