U.S. President Donald Trump has said his administration played a decisive role in brokering a ceasefire between Pakistan and India following a major military escalation, expressing hope that the de-escalation would mark the beginning of lasting peace between the two nuclear-armed nations.
Addressing the Saudi-American Investment Forum in Riyadh, Trump stated, “I don’t like wars. I seek peace across the globe.” He revealed that his administration intervened last week to avert a full-scale conflict between Pakistan and India, and helped bring about what he termed an “immediate and total ceasefire.”
“The leadership in both countries is strong and unwavering,” Trump said, adding that Islamabad and New Delhi had shown maturity and wisdom in recognizing the gravity of the situation. “We hope this ceasefire holds. It is a significant step toward regional stability.”
Trump praised Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio for their efforts, saying, “You and your team did an outstanding job. This conflict was escalating by the day and could have resulted in mass casualties.”
Highlighting the role of economic diplomacy, Trump said he urged both Pakistan and India to shift focus toward trade and development. “I told both sides—let’s do business together. I hope to bring both leaders together soon for a remarkable dinner,” he added.
‘America is Back in Global Leadership’
Trump also touted recent achievements in foreign and economic policy, noting that China had agreed to reduce tariffs and open its markets to U.S. goods. He claimed bureaucratic hurdles at home had been significantly reduced, making the United States “a magnet for investment and prosperity.”
Calling his visit to Saudi Arabia “historic and successful,” Trump vowed to strengthen ties with Riyadh and lauded Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman as “a great and charismatic leader.” He credited the Gulf region’s development to the vision and determination of its rulers and people.
“The U.S. today has the strongest economy in the world, and under my leadership, it has become the most attractive destination for wealth generation,” Trump asserted.
‘Ready to Negotiate with Iran, But Time Is Not Unlimited’
On broader regional issues, Trump reiterated his willingness to engage in dialogue with Iran in pursuit of global peace. However, he warned Tehran that the window for diplomacy would not remain open indefinitely.
“Iran’s destructive policies have turned a once-thriving nation into a desert. If it refuses peace, we will continue with a policy of maximum pressure,” Trump said.
He also criticized Hezbollah for destabilizing Lebanon, and condemned former President Joe Biden’s decision to remove the Houthi rebels from the list of designated terrorist groups. “That was a grave mistake,” he said.
Trump noted that the Houthis had recently agreed to halt maritime attacks, prompting reciprocal measures from the United States. “Terrorism has devastated Gaza and Lebanon. The suffering of the people of Gaza is unconscionable. This nightmare must come to an end,” he stated.
U.S. to Lift Sanctions on Syria Following Gulf-Led Engagement
Trump announced that, at the request of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, the U.S. Secretary of State would meet with his Syrian counterpart. He added that discussions with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman had led to a decision to ease certain sanctions on Syria.
“We are giving Syria a second chance,” Trump said. “We hope the Syrian people will rise to the occasion.”
Saudi-Israel Normalization on the Horizon
Expressing optimism about evolving regional dynamics, Trump said he expected Saudi Arabia to normalize relations with Israel in due course. “I believe it will happen—at the right time, in their own way,” he said.
Background: Pakistan’s ‘Operation Banyan Marsous’
Tensions surged on May 10 after Pakistan launched “Operation Banyan Marsous” in response to reported Indian aggression. Pakistani forces targeted multiple high-value Indian military installations, including the Udhampur, Pathankot, and Adampur airbases, BrahMos missile storage sites, and components of the S-400 air defense system.
Later that day, President Trump announced via social media platform X that both countries had agreed to a full and immediate ceasefire.
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