Trump commented on the Iran-Israel conflict during the same press interaction. Asked whether the US would join Israeli strikes on Iran, he said, “I may do it, I may not do it – nobody knows what I’m going to do.” His response followed statements from Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who said Tehran would “never surrender” and accused Washington of making threats.
Trump also referred to Pakistan’s army chief, General Asim Munir, saying, “This man was extremely influential in stopping it from the Pakistan side,” before adding, “Modi, from the India side, and others. They were going at it, and they’re both nuclear countries. I got it stopped.”The remarks follow a 35-minute phone call between Trump and Modi on Wednesday. According to India’s Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, the Prime Minister made it clear that India had not sought or accepted any mediation. “India has never accepted mediation, does not and will never do so,” Misri said.
He also clarified that throughout the four-day military standoff between May 7 and 10, there had been no discussions about a trade deal or third-party involvement. Modi reportedly told Trump that after the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, India had conveyed its intent to act against terrorism and warned Pakistan that any aggression would be met with a stronger response.
Trump, who first publicly mentioned the cessation of hostilities on May 10, has since claimed he used the threat of trade measures to help end the conflict. His remarks on Wednesday were the latest in a series of such assertions.
The Trump-Modi call also touched on a potential visit by the Indian Prime Minister to the US after attending the G7 summit in Canada, but Modi declined due to prior commitments. Both leaders are expected to explore opportunities for an in-person meeting later.
Trump also criticised Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, calling him “stupid” and saying, “you probably won’t cut today.” With the Federal Open Market Committee set to announce its decision later in the day, Trump complained that the Fed’s current rates were costing the country “hundreds of billions” in financing. He suggested that the US should have cut rates like Europe and questioned Powell’s competence, saying, “I don’t even think he’s that political. I think he hates me, but that’s OK.”
Trump added that he could do a better job as Fed chair himself and hinted at naming Powell’s successor before his term ends in May 2026.
First Published: Jun 18, 2025 9:07 PM IS
