Trump Claims US Averted Nuclear War Between India and Pakistan

Washington, D.C. – U.S. President Donald Trump has asserted that Washington’s intervention prevented a potential nuclear war between India and Pakistan following a dangerous military escalation last month.

The crisis began after India blamed Pakistan for an attack in occupied Kashmir’s Pahalgam. On May 6-7, New Delhi launched airstrikes in Punjab and Azad Kashmir, killing civilians. Pakistan retaliated by shooting down five Indian jets, leading to a cycle of drone interceptions and cross-border strikes.

Ceasefire Brokered Amid Peak Tensions

As hostilities intensified, Trump announced a U.S.-mediated ceasefire on May 10, defusing what he described as a rapidly deteriorating situation.

“The escalation had reached a point where nuclear war could have broken out,” Trump told Fox News on Friday. Calling the de-escalation a “bigger success than I will ever be given credit for,” he warned that the next step would have been “the N-word”—confirming he meant nuclear weapons.

“Those are major nuclear powers, and they were angry. It was tit-for-tat, getting deeper, with more missiles,” he said.

Trade as a Tool for Peace

Trump revealed he used trade discussions to ease tensions, stating, “I’m using trade to settle scores and make peace.” He praised Pakistan, calling its people “brilliant” and expressing willingness to expand trade despite recent U.S. tariffs.

However, Pakistan faces a 29% duty on exports to the U.S., imposed in April. Meanwhile, Trump claimed India had offered to eliminate all tariffs on American goods, predicting a deal “soon.”

Human Cost of the Conflict

Pakistan confirmed 13 security personnel were martyred and over 75 injured, while 40 civilians—including women and children—were killed in Indian strikes. Islamabad had called for an impartial probe into India’s allegations but faced continued aggression.

Trump’s remarks mark his third appeal this week for stronger trade ties with both nations, framing economic cooperation as an alternative to conflict.