US President Donald Trump asserted on Friday that resolving the ongoing conflict between Pakistan and Afghanistan would be “easy” for him, claiming that he has successfully resolved multiple global wars and “saved millions of lives.” The remarks were made during a working lunch at the White House with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, where Trump referenced the recent escalation of hostilities in the region. He stated that, although Pakistan and Afghanistan were engaged in attacks, he could manage the situation if called upon. Trump emphasized that while governing the United States is his primary responsibility, he enjoys intervening in international conflicts to prevent casualties.
The comments coincided with rising tensions between the two neighbours. A 48-hour ceasefire, which had been in effect, expired at 6 pm local time. Reports suggested that the truce had been extended, with both sides expected to meet in Doha to negotiate a resolution. However, the Taliban reported that Pakistan conducted airstrikes in several districts of Paktika province, located along the Durand Line, leading a senior Taliban official to claim that the ceasefire had effectively been “broken,” according to AFP. These developments underscore the fragility of ceasefires in the region and the ongoing volatility along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border.
Trump reiterated his past claims of having successfully mediated conflicts, stating that he had resolved eight wars in total. He linked his efforts to a personal aspiration for the Nobel Peace Prize, noting that despite his involvement in resolving significant global conflicts, the award had been given to someone else. “Go to Rwanda and the Congo, talk about India and Pakistan. Look at all of the wars that we solved, and every time I solved, when they say if you solve the next one, you’re gonna get the Nobel Prize. I didn’t get a Nobel Prize. Somebody got it who is a very nice woman. I don’t know who she is, but she was very generous. I don’t care about all that stuff. I just care about saving lives,” he said, highlighting his self-described focus on humanitarian outcomes rather than accolades.
The 2025 Nobel Peace Prize was awarded to Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado. In her acceptance speech, she partially dedicated the award to Trump, recognizing his support for Venezuela’s democratic movement. This gesture brought renewed attention to Trump’s claims of international mediation and his efforts to position himself as a global peacemaker. Observers note that while Trump’s statements reflect his characteristic self-assured style, the complex geopolitical dynamics between Pakistan and Afghanistan present significant challenges that would require multilateral diplomacy and careful negotiation.
Experts on South Asian security and international relations have pointed out that resolving the Pakistan-Afghanistan conflict involves not only addressing military hostilities but also engaging with political factions, managing cross-border security, and ensuring humanitarian access for affected populations. Analysts suggest that any unilateral approach, no matter how confident, would face substantial hurdles given the historical complexity of the region. Trump’s remarks, therefore, may be seen as an expression of confidence rather than a detailed policy plan, as achieving a sustainable resolution will likely require extensive cooperation with regional and international stakeholders.
The situation remains closely monitored by global powers, with the United States and other nations urging both sides to honor ceasefire agreements and engage in constructive dialogue. While Trump has presented himself as capable of swift intervention, international observers stress the importance of coordinated diplomatic efforts, adherence to international law, and attention to humanitarian concerns. The evolving developments along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border continue to draw worldwide attention, highlighting the delicate balance of power and the ongoing need for diplomatic engagement in the region.
