Did Trump Prevent a "Nuclear War" Between Iran and Pakistan?
In a recent Oval Office gathering, President Trump made a rather bold claim: that he personally prevented a "nuclear war" between Iran and Pakistan. The 79-year-old politician stated that he intervened after learning the two nations were "shooting at each other," threatening significant tariffs if they didn't cease hostilities.
“If you look at Pakistan and Iran, I told them I was in the midst of negotiating a trade deal with… Iran and Pakistan was gonna be in line,” Trump said. “And because of tariffs, they all wanna negotiate much differently. We were making a good deal. And then I heard that they’re shooting at each other."
He continued, "And I said during one of my conversations, ‘Are you guys gonna go to war, two nuclear powers?’ I said, ‘Here’s the deal. You go to war, I’m gonna put a 200 percent tariff [on you both]. I’m gonna stop you from doing any business in the United States.’ I said it to both of ’em within 24 hours. The war ended. That would’ve been a nuclear war.”
Confusion or Fact? Examining the Claim
However, things might not be as clear-cut as the former president suggests. It seems Trump might have been conflating Iran with India. Back in May, India and Pakistan were indeed involved in a brief armed conflict. While Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has acknowledged Trump's role in securing a ceasefire between the two nations, India has vehemently denied any third-party mediation, refuting Trump's involvement.
This isn't the first time Trump has claimed to have resolved international conflicts, often in pursuit of a Nobel Peace Prize. He's previously mentioned resolving conflicts between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Thailand and Cambodia.
Past Peacemaking Claims Under Scrutiny
In the past, Trump has even invented conflicts, such as claiming to have "solved" an imaginary war between Cambodia and Armenia. This led to some light-hearted mockery from other world leaders. Even the number of wars he claims to have stopped seems to fluctuate. It seems the accuracy of these claims is often questionable.
While it's true that tensions have existed between Iran and Pakistan, particularly after Iran's missile strikes targeting militants within Pakistan in January 2024, this occurred before Trump's possible second term.
Trump's Nobel Ambitions: Fact or Fiction?
Whether Trump truly prevented a "nuclear war" remains debatable. The facts appear to be somewhat muddled. Given his past record of exaggerating or even fabricating such events, it's wise to approach these claims with a healthy dose of skepticism. It could be argued that these claims are simply part of Trump’s ongoing quest for the elusive Nobel Peace Prize.
Regardless of the truth, the situation highlights the complexities of international relations and the challenges of verifying claims of peacemaking. Only time will tell if there is any substance to the claims being made.