Trump hosts Pakistan Army chief, calls it honourable.
U.S. President Donald Trump expressed his relief and satisfaction over the decision by India and Pakistan—two major nuclear powers—to refrain from going to war despite heightened tensions in the past. Speaking to reporters after hosting Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff, General Asim Munir, at the White House, Trump noted that the leadership on both sides acted wisely and with restraint. He emphasized that both countries had the capability to cause massive destruction due to their nuclear arsenals, but they instead chose the path of diplomacy and peace.
Trump highlighted the role of calm-headed decision-making by Indian and Pakistani leaders in preventing a catastrophic conflict. He said he was “happy and proud” that cooler minds prevailed and stressed the importance of continuing dialogue between the neighboring nations. The former President called this restraint a victory not only for South Asia but for global stability.
While Trump has previously claimed personal credit for reducing tensions in the region, this time he acknowledged the efforts of both Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India and the Pakistani leadership, describing them as “very smart” for avoiding escalation. He concluded by reiterating his hope for continued peace between the two nations.
Trump Praises India and Pakistan for Avoiding War, Hosts Pakistan Army Chief Asim Munir at White House
Washington: Former U.S. President Donald Trump expressed his happiness and appreciation for the restraint shown by India and Pakistan—two nuclear-armed neighbors—by not engaging in a full-scale war despite heightened tensions. Speaking after his meeting with Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir, Trump emphasized that the leaders of both nations had shown wisdom in avoiding conflict.
The meeting with General Munir marked a historic moment, being the first official White House meeting between a U.S. President and the head of Pakistan’s powerful military without the presence of senior civilian officials. Trump described the encounter as an “honour” and praised both Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and General Munir as “two very smart people” who made the critical decision not to escalate the situation into war. “Those are two big nuclear powers. I was honoured to meet him today,” he remarked.
Trump also revealed that he was pursuing trade agreements with both India and Pakistan, calling it a positive development amid broader diplomatic engagements. I am so happy,” he said, underlining the importance of stable economic and political ties with both South Asian nations.
During the meeting, Trump and General Munir also discussed the rapidly evolving geopolitical situation in the Middle East, particularly the growing tensions involving Iran. They see what’s going on. And he agreed with me,” without elaborating further on the specifics of their conversation.
The discussion comes at a time when regional tensions involving Iran and Israel have significantly escalated. Earlier in the week, Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar addressed parliament, stating that Iran had expressed a willingness to return to negotiations—provided Israel halted further strikes.
This backdrop of diplomacy is particularly notable given the long-standing atomic cooperation between Iran and Pakistan. International nuclear watchdogs have previously raised concerns over the activities of Dr. Abdul Qadeer Khan, the founder of Pakistan’s nuclear program, who was accused of providing sensitive nuclear technology—including centrifuge blueprints and components—to countries like Iran, North Korea, and Libya.
Amid the rising regional tensions, Pakistan has continued to voice strong support for Iran. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, in a recent social media post over the weekend, expressed “unwavering solidarity” with the people of Iran, condemning what he called Israel’s “unprovoked aggression.” He stated that he had spoken directly with Iran’s President to convey Pakistan’s support and concern over the escalating violence.
“The international community should immediately make efforts to put an end to this war,” he said, warning that further escalation could destabilize not just the region, but also global peace and economic security.
The flurry of diplomatic and military engagements in recent days, including Trump’s meetings with South Asian leaders and the growing global concern over the Iran-Israel conflict, underscores the complex and interconnected challenges facing world leaders. Trump’s remarks and meetings have placed renewed attention on the role of dialogue and strategic cooperation in avoiding catastrophic outcomes—especially among nations possessing nuclear capabilities.
As developments continue, the world watches closely to see how these interactions may shape future negotiations and regional stability. Trump’s outreach to both Indian and Pakistani leadership, along with his commentary on Iran, suggest a renewed U.S. interest in playing an active role in diffusing regional tensions and fostering strategic partnerships in South Asia and the Middle East.