Trump eyes Iran-Israel peace via Putin
Cites Pak-India ceasefire as proof of his peacemaking prowess
WASHINGTON:
Despite evidence of escalating conflict between Israel and Iran, US President Donald Trump expressed optimism on Sunday that peace would come soon to Middle East, citing his track record as a dealmaker during the Pakistan-India conflict last month.
In a social media post, Trump said there were many unspecified meetings about the issue happening and encouraged the two countries to make a deal. And in an interview with ABC News, he cited the possibility that Russia president Vladimir Putin could help.
Trump acknowledged the possibility of US involvement in the Iran-Israel crisis and emphasised his track as a peacemaker as proof of his diplomatic prowess. However, the US president echoed his frustration that he was not given the due appreciation for his efforts.
Pakistan and India engaged in a four-day conflict from May 7 to 10, started by India’s missile strikes against mosques and other civilian targets in six Pakistani cities. Pakistan responded with downing six and Indian jets on May 7 and hitting 26 military targets in the morning of May 10.
Later on that day, it was the US president who broke the news in a social media post that both Pakistan and India had agreed to a ceasefire because of his intense diplomatic efforts. His announcement later drew flak in India, which denied the US influence in its truce decision.
“I do a lot, and never get credit for anything, but that’s OK, the PEOPLE understand,” Trump wrote on Truth Social, echoing his frustration over what he sees as underappreciated achievements. “MAKE THE MIDDLE EAST GREAT AGAIN!” he said, referring to his efforts for de-escalation between Iran and Israel.
“Iran and Israel should make a deal, and will make a deal,” Trump wrote. “We will have PEACE, soon, between Israel and Iran! Many calls and meetings now taking place,” he added, without offering any details about the meetings or evidence of progress toward peace.
Trump, meanwhile, told ABC News that Iran wanted to make a deal and indicated something like the Israel strikes would accelerate that. “Something like this had to happen because I think even from both sides . They want to talk, and they will be talking,” Trump said.
