Pakistan has formally nominated U.S. President Donald Trump for the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize, citing his intervention in the recent India-Pakistan conflict as decisive in averting a broader war between the nuclear-armed neighbors. The announcement follows a high-level meeting in Washington between Trump and Pakistani Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir, underscoring warming ties between Islamabad and the Trump administration amid global turbulence.
"President Trump demonstrated great strategic foresight and stellar statesmanship through robust diplomatic engagement with both Islamabad and New Delhi," Pakistan's government said in a statement. "This intervention stands as a testament to his role as a genuine peacemaker."
The May ceasefire came after a deadly Islamist attack in Indian-administered Kashmir triggered a four-day military standoff. Trump publicly claimed credit for halting what he described as a near-nuclear escalation. "We did a very great job with India and Pakistan," he said in remarks Friday from New Jersey. "It's a beautiful thing to watch."
The nomination, announced on Pakistan's official X account, comes as Trump weighs U.S. military participation in Israel's campaign against Iran, heightening global tensions. "Based on the fact that there's a substantial chance of negotiations... I will make my decision whether or not to go within the next two weeks," Trump said, according to White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt.
Pakistan, which shares a border with Iran, has condemned Israel's strikes and offered "full moral support" to Tehran, according to Pakistani Foreign Ministry spokesperson Shafqat Ali Khan. While stressing it has not been asked for military assistance, Khan said, "We strongly condemn the aggression against Iran."
The Pakistani Mission to the United Nations reiterated Islamabad's diplomatic stance. "We hope that the situation will not escalate militarily, and tensions will be diffused amicably through diplomatic engagement," the mission said. "President Trump has distinguished himself as a peacemaker."
Trump's engagement with both India and Pakistan has shifted regional dynamics. During his first administration, U.S. policy largely favored New Delhi as a counterweight to China. However, Trump's repeated offers to mediate in Kashmir-welcomed by Pakistan but firmly rejected by India-have introduced uncertainty into South Asia diplomacy. "India does not and will never accept mediation," Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said after Modi's recent phone call with Trump.
The Indian leader declined a White House meeting during last week's G7 summit in Canada, citing scheduling conflicts. But tensions with Pakistan flared again after a terror attack in the Indian town of Pahalgam killed 27 civilians. Vice President JD Vance happened to be in India at the time.
In contrast to Indian resistance, Pakistan has embraced Trump's overtures. Mushahid Hussain, former chair of Pakistan's Senate Defence Committee, stated: "Trump is good for Pakistan. If this panders to Trump's ego, so be it."
However, the decision to nominate Trump is not without domestic criticism. Talat Hussain, a leading Pakistani television host, posted on X: "Israel's sugar daddy in Gaza and cheerleader of its attacks on Iran isn't a candidate for any prize... And what if he starts to kiss Modi on both cheeks again after a few months?"
