Washington: US President Donald Trump has once again asserted that Washington played a decisive role in preventing a full-scale conflict between India and Pakistan from escalating into a nuclear confrontation. Speaking at the White House, Trump claimed the hostilities had intensified to a dangerous level before diplomatic efforts helped de-escalate the situation.
According to Trump, the military confrontation had already resulted in significant aerial losses, with multiple fighter aircraft reportedly brought down during the conflict.
“India and Pakistan… that war was raging… 11 planes were shot down. That war was going to go nuclear,” Trump said.
The US President further claimed that Pakistan’s Prime Minister had personally acknowledged Washington’s role in averting a humanitarian catastrophe.
“The Pakistan PM said President Trump saved 30 to 50 million lives. Well, guess what? It could have been a lot more than that,” he remarked.
Trump did not provide additional details or evidence to support his figures regarding the reported aircraft losses or his estimate of potential casualties.
Says Iran Wants Talks Despite Fresh US Military Action
Trump also addressed the latest US military strikes targeting Iranian positions, maintaining that American forces had already achieved their primary strategic objectives.
He argued that Iran’s military capability had been significantly weakened and suggested Tehran was now seeking negotiations with Washington.
“We have already won militarily. They have very little left… They called a little while ago. They want to make a deal so badly. I just don’t know if they’re worthy of making a deal. I don’t know that they’re going to honour the deal,” Trump said.
Questions Iran’s Intentions After Shipping Attacks
When asked why Iran would allegedly target commercial vessels if it was genuinely interested in negotiations, Trump described the country’s recent actions as erratic.
“They are sort of crazy… They’re a little bit out of control. But they want to make a deal. Badly,” he said.
His remarks came amid renewed tensions in West Asia following additional US strikes and recent incidents involving commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. While Washington has maintained military pressure on Tehran, it has also indicated that diplomatic channels remain open if Iran is prepared to engage in meaningful negotiations.