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US President Donald Trump on Sunday stitched together Iran, the Strait of Hormuz, and South Asia in a single sweeping message. However, it was his familiar claim on India and Pakistan, and unusually warm praise for Pakistan's top leadership, that stood out.
US President Donald Trump with Pakistan's PM Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir at the Oval Office in White House. (File Photo: X)
New Delhi,UPDATED: Apr 12, 2026 21:15 IST
US President Donald Trump on Sunday returned to one of his most bizarre and repeated geopolitical claims – that he prevented a catastrophic India-Pakistan war – while offering some of his strongest praise yet for Pakistan Army chief Asim Munir and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
In a lengthy Truth Social post warning Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a “vital international waterway” and accusing it of causing “anxiety, dislocation, and pain” globally, Trump pivoted to Islamabad. He said he had been “fully debriefed” after a meeting led by Munir and Sharif, crediting them with “kind and very competent leadership”.
FROM 'COMPETENT' TO 'EXTRAORDINARY'
That praise did not stop there. Trump, who has previously spoken positively about Pakistan’s leadership while recounting his version of events, raised the pitch this time, calling Munir and Sharif “very extraordinary men”.
“They continuously thank me for saving 30 to 50 million lives in what would have been a horrendous war with India,” he wrote, adding, “I always appreciate hearing that — The amount of humanity spoken of is incomprehensible.”
A CLAIM THAT KEEPS GROWING
Trump’s account of the India-Pakistan crisis has evolved with each telling. In February, he said Sharif told him 35 million people could have died in a potential nuclear conflict.
On Sunday, that number stretched further to “30 to 50 million”, continuing a pattern of rising figures alongside the emphasis he places on his role.
Trump has repeatedly cited the India-Pakistan episode as one of several conflicts he claims to have helped defuse across the globe.
INDIA’S POSITION REMAINS UNCHANGED
India has consistently denied any third-party involvement, including that of the US, in resolving the conflict with Pakistan. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar had earlier dismissed Trump’s claims, maintaining that the de-escalation was the result of direct military-level communication between New Delhi and Islamabad.
According to the Indian government, the ceasefire understanding was reached after Pakistan’s military initiated contact through established channels, without external mediation.
THE CONFLICT BEHIND THE CLAIM
The tensions referenced by Trump trace back to the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, which killed 26 people. India responded with Operation Sindoor on May 7, targeting terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.
Officials have said the situation stabilised following direct engagement between the two militaries, a version that contrasts with Trump’s repeated claims.
Trump’s remarks on Pakistan came mid-way through a post dominated by Iran. He accused Tehran of violating “every law in the book” and warned it must reopen the Strait of Hormuz “FAST”. He also reiterated that “IRAN WILL NEVER HAVE A NUCLEAR WEAPON” after what he described as nearly 20 hours of talks.
- Ends
Published By:
Priyanka Kumari
Published On:
Apr 12, 2026 20:47 IST
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