US President Donald Trump recently took credit for brokering peace between India and Pakistan, emphasizing his role in halting escalating tensions between the two nuclear-armed nations. Speaking at the US-Saudi Arabia Investment Forum, Trump highlighted that his administration had successfully brokered a historic ceasefire, using trade negotiations as a primary tool to encourage the countries to cease military strikes. He joked about the potential for the two countries to even “have a nice dinner” together, reflecting his view that diplomacy had averted a larger conflict.
Trump’s visit to Saudi Arabia is primarily focused on securing major investments, including a record $600 billion commitment from the Kingdom to the US, along with an arms deal valued at nearly $142 billion. The arms package, described by the White House as the largest defense cooperation agreement in US history, covers multiple sectors including air defense, air force, and maritime security. The deal further strengthens ties between the US and Saudi Arabia, which Trump sees as a key ally in countering regional threats, particularly from Iran.
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During his visit, Trump also announced plans to lift US sanctions on Syria, a move he said would offer the country a chance for “greatness” following the fall of Bashar al-Assad. The decision came after consultations with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Trump expressed his hope for improved US relations with Syria, while also reiterating his stance on Iran. He warned that if ongoing talks with Tehran fail, he would reimpose “maximum pressure,” including sanctions aimed at curtailing Iran’s oil exports.
Trump’s speech combined elements of both foreign policy achievements and domestic-style rhetoric, as he defended his approach to international diplomacy while criticizing his political rivals. Despite his tough stance on Iran, Trump positioned himself as a “peacemaker,” asserting that his administration’s efforts had stabilized multiple global hotspots, including the ongoing India-Pakistan conflict.