US President Donald Trump reiterated his claim that his administration had “successfully brokered a historic ceasefire” between India and Pakistan to stop escalating violence.
“Just days ago, my administration successfully brokered a historic ceasefire to stop the escalating violence between India and Pakistan,” Trump said, speaking at the investment forum in the Saudi capital.He added that trade was used as a tool in the negotiations. “And I used trade to a large extent to do it. And I said, ‘Fellows, come on. Let’s make a deal. Let’s do some trading,” he said, addressing an audience that included attendees such as billionaire Elon Musk.
“Let’s not trade nuclear missiles. Let’s trade the things that you make so beautifully. And they both have very powerful leaders, very strong leaders, good leaders, smart leaders. And it all stopped. Hopefully, it’ll remain that way, but it all stopped,” Trump added.
He credited the success to the work of his administration. “I was very proud of Secretary of State Marco Rubio and all of the people who worked so hard. Marco stand up. What a great job you did on that. Thank you. Vice President JD Vance, Marco, the whole group worked with you, but there’s a great, great job, and think they’re actually getting along,” Trump said.
On Syria
President Trump also announced that he would lift sanctions on Syria at the request of Saudi Arabia’s crown prince, in what he described as a major step toward stabilising the war-torn country.
“I will be ordering the cessation of sanctions against Syria in order to give them a chance at greatness,” Trump said at the forum in Riyadh.The United States had maintained sanctions on Syria since the rule of former President Bashar al-Assad, who was removed from power in December following over 13 years of conflict. The move is expected to significantly aid interim Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa, who is seeking to bring stability to the country.
According to the White House, Trump is scheduled to meet Sharaa during his Saudi visit. Reuters quoted two Syrian presidency sources saying that Sharaa would travel to Riyadh for the meeting.
Is Iran
President Trump also addressed the Iran nuclear issue, urging Tehran to take a “new and a better path” while warning of consequences if it fails to do so.
“As I have shown repeatedly, I am willing to end past conflicts and forge new partnerships for a better and more stable world, even if our differences may be profound,” Trump said at the same forum.
“But if Iran’s leadership rejects this olive branch … we will have no choice but to inflict massive maximum pressure, drive Iranian oil exports to zero,” he added.
Trump noted that he does not wish for conflict, but expressed concern about Iran’s accelerating nuclear programme. “I want to avoid conflict,” he said, “but time is running out.”
His comments followed the recent fourth round of talks led by his special envoy Steve Witkoff with Iranian officials.
Trump also stated he hopes Saudi Arabia will eventually join the Abraham Accords and formally recognise Israel. “In your own time,” he said.
With agency inputs
