Love my legacy to be made as great peacemaker: Trump
Washington (PTI): US President Donald Trump has said he would love his legacy to be made as a great peacemaker as he stopped eight wars, including the one between India and Pakistan last year.
Addressing the Saudi-backed Future Investment Initiative (FII) Priority Summit in Miami, Trump also said reopening the Strait of Hormuz was a condition for any agreement with Iran and stressed that maritime access for oil shipments must be restored.
"We're negotiating now, and it would be great if we could do something, but they have to open it up," he said.
The US President reiterated his claim that he helped stop eight wars, including those between Armenia and Azerbaijan; the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Rwanda; Cambodia and Thailand; Egypt and Ethiopia; Serbia and Kosovo; Israel and Hamas.
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"I would love my legacy to be made as a great peacemaker because I really believe I am a peacemaker. It doesn't seem like it right now, but I think I am a peacemaker," Trump said.
"I even stopped India and Pakistan, and they were going at it for a week.. nine planes already shot down. They were in a war. I stopped them. How did I stop them? I said, if you keep fighting, I'm going to put a 250 per cent tariff on each one," the US President said.
"No, no, no, you cannot do that. I said, I'm doing it. All right, we won't fight anymore. That's how I stopped them." Trump said.
Trump jokingly referred to the Strait of Hormuz as the "Strait of Trump" during his remarks before correcting himself, later saying the comment was not accidental.
Trump described Iran as a longstanding force shaping instability in the Middle East but said its position had weakened under the US military operation Epic Fury.
"For 47 years, Iran has been known as the bully of the Middle East, but they are not the bully any longer. They're on the run," he said, adding that Iran's leadership, armed forces, and nuclear program had suffered damage during the operation.
Trump refused to refer to the attacks on Iran as "war" and chose to refer to it as a military operation.
The US president was harshly critical of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) for not "helping" him with the war with Iran.
"NATO is a paper tiger. And I always said we help NATO, but they never help us. And if the big one ever happened and I don't think it will, but if the big one ever happened, I guarantee you they wouldn't be there."
Trump reiterated that if the U.S. had not "knocked the hell" out of Iran, the country would have had a nuclear weapon "within two to four weeks" despite his insistence that the U.S. bombing of Iranian nuclear sites last year set its programs back years.
"They would have used it on you, and on Israel, and on everyone else," he said, addressing the Saudi attendees. The president also hinted at potential action against Cuba.
"And Cuba is next by the way, but pretend I didn't say that," he said. "Please, please, please, media, disregard that statement. Thank you very much. Cuba’s next," Trump said.
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Gulf War 3.0: What Happens Next?
The world is watching closely. A war that many feared would spiral out of control is now at a crossroads — somewhere between a fragile pause and a possible return to chaos. Here is everything that is happening right now, explained simply.
The Pause That Changed Everything
On March 23rd, the US President surprised everyone by signalling a stop to military operations — for five days. This came after threats to shut down Iran's power systems completely, which were already badly damaged from earlier strikes. The reason? Iran's leadership quietly reached out. Think of it like two neighbours who were throwing things at each other, and one of them knocked on the door saying, "Can we talk?"
But talking is easier said than done. Both sides carry long decades of mistrust and broken promises. When history itself becomes a wall, even a simple conversation becomes complicated.
Pakistan Enters the Room
Usually, Oman and Qatar play the role of middlemen between the US and Iran. But this time, both are directly involved in the war, so they cannot mediate. Pakistan stepped forward — and the world took notice.
The warm relationship between the US President and Pakistan's Army Chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir, is a big reason. Pakistan has also managed to stay balanced during this entire conflict, not taking either side strongly. Egypt and Turkey are also playing supporting roles in bringing both parties to the table.
What the US Is Offering
The US quietly sent a 15-point plan through Pakistan to Iran. The plan includes lifting economic sanctions on Iran, helping Iran use nuclear energy peacefully, limiting Iran's nuclear and missile programs, stronger international inspections, and guaranteeing safe passage of ships through the Strait of Hormuz — a vital sea route through which a large portion of the world's oil travels.
However, Iran has publicly denied that any talks have even started. It is like someone accepting a letter but refusing to say they received it.
What Iran Is Demanding
Iran is not staying silent either. It put forward a 5-point proposal of its own. Iran wants a complete stop to all attacks and targeted killings, a firm guarantee that this war will never restart, financial compensation for all the damage done to the country, a ceasefire covering all groups across the region — not just the two main countries — and recognition of Iran's legal control over the Strait of Hormuz.
An Iranian military official bluntly told the US, "Do not call your defeat an agreement." That gives a clear picture of how Iran is feeling right now — angry, cautious, and not ready to back down easily.
Troops Still Moving
While words are being exchanged, weapons are also being moved. The US is preparing to send thousands of airborne troops to the Gulf region. Two Marine groups are already on their way. Iran, on the other hand, has warned that if its land or islands are touched, it will open a new battle front near the Bab al-Mandab Strait — another key sea route connecting to the Red Sea. This would cause serious disruption to global shipping and oil supplies. Preparing for war while talking peace is not new — both sides are using their military strength as bargaining power.
The Four Ways This Can Go
Experts see four possible paths ahead. The best outcome — though unlikely — is that both sides agree to extend the ceasefire, Iran reopens sea routes, and serious peace talks begin. The second positive possibility is a short-term ceasefire with some cautious exchange of proposals, which is more probable. The third path is a painful deadlock — no progress, some violations, but both sides still talking under pressure. The fourth and worst path is complete failure — talks break down, and full-scale fighting returns. This cannot be ruled out.
The Bigger Truth
Iran does not trust the US — that is the single biggest wall in front of any peace deal. Iran's leadership is tight and united. The mediators can only offer a meeting room, not a solution. And Israel has not even agreed to any ceasefire yet, adding more uncertainty to everything. Every single step at the negotiating table is being watched closely by the whole world. Oil prices, shipping routes, and the fate of millions hang in the balance.
The next few weeks will decide whether this pause becomes peace — or just a brief silence before the storm returns.
(Girish Linganna is an award-winning science communicator and a Defence, Aerospace & Geopolitical Analyst. He is the Managing Director of ADD Engineering Components India Pvt. Ltd., a subsidiary of ADD Engineering GmbH, Germany.)
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect the views, policies, or position of the publication, its editors, or its management. The publication is not responsible for the accuracy of any information, statements, or opinions presented in this piece.
