President Donald Trump has often highlighted his ability to mediate and resolve international conflicts, especially as he attempts to broker peace in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war. At a White House briefing on August 18, he made a bold claim: “I’ve ended six wars,” emphasizing his history of resolving global tensions without even needing to mention the word "ceasefire." By the next day, he had increased his count to seven conflicts that he supposedly ended. His administration has also suggested that a Nobel Peace Prize should be awarded to the "peacemaker-in-chief" for his diplomatic achievements.
These claims have sparked both admiration and skepticism. Trump’s team has released a list of wars he purportedly helped bring to an end, although many of these conflicts were short-lived and resulted from long-standing, complex issues. While some agreements resulted in temporary ceasefires, the lasting impact of these deals is uncertain, as underlying tensions often remain unresolved. Despite the mixed results, Trump continues to take credit for negotiating what he sees as historic peace deals. Below, we take a closer look at some of the key conflicts he claims to have ended:
Israel and Iran
In June, a 12-day conflict erupted between Israel and Iran, primarily over Israeli airstrikes on Iranian targets. Trump confirmed that he had been informed of Israel’s plans ahead of time, and the U.S. also joined the offensive by striking Iranian nuclear facilities. By June 23, Trump posted on his Truth Social platform that both sides had agreed to a ceasefire, with the fighting set to end within 12 hours. While the ceasefire was celebrated in the U.S., Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei insisted that his country had emerged victorious and did not acknowledge a ceasefire. Many analysts argue that this conflict was more of a de facto pause in hostilities rather than a formal peace agreement, and that tensions between Israel and Iran remain high. Michael O'Hanlon, a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution, pointed out that while Trump’s mediation had some impact, there is no real resolution to the underlying issues, particularly over Iran’s nuclear program.
Pakistan and India
Tensions between nuclear-armed neighbors Pakistan and India flared in May after an attack in Indian-administered Kashmir. After four days of intense military exchanges, Trump claimed that he had mediated a "full and immediate ceasefire" between the two countries. His administration suggested that his diplomatic efforts were decisive, and Pakistan even thanked him and recommended him for a Nobel Peace Prize. However, India downplayed U.S. involvement, stating that the ceasefire agreement had been negotiated through existing military channels between the two countries. While the ceasefire held temporarily, it is unclear whether it will last, and experts point out that this conflict, deeply rooted in territorial and political disputes, is far from being resolved.
Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo
The long-standing tensions between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) flared up again in 2025 after the M23 rebel group seized territory in the eastern DRC, an area rich in minerals. In June, both countries signed a peace agreement in Washington, facilitated by Trump’s administration. However, the situation remains fragile, as both Rwanda and the DRC have accused each other of violating the ceasefire. The M23 rebels, who have been linked to Rwanda by both the U.K. and U.S., have threatened to withdraw from the peace talks entirely. Margaret MacMillan, a professor of history, emphasized that while Trump played a role in bringing the parties together, the situation remains volatile, and the ceasefire has yet to hold.
Thailand and Cambodia
In late July, Trump intervened in a border conflict between Thailand and Cambodia that had been escalating for days. On August 1, Trump posted on Truth Social that he had personally called Thailand's acting prime minister, urging for an immediate ceasefire. Just days later, Thailand and Cambodia announced that they had agreed to a ceasefire, halting the fighting that had been intensifying. However, the peace talks were actually hosted by Malaysia, and Trump’s threat to stop separate U.S.-Thailand trade talks played a pivotal role in pushing both nations to resolve the crisis. Critics argue that while Trump’s involvement may have been helpful, the peace was more a product of economic leverage rather than a comprehensive diplomatic breakthrough.
Armenia and Azerbaijan
Trump's role in brokering peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan, two countries locked in a nearly 40-year conflict over the Nagorno-Karabakh region, garnered significant attention. In August, Trump hosted a summit at the White House with Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, where they signed a peace agreement. While some experts, like Michael O'Hanlon, acknowledged that Trump’s diplomatic presence and pressure likely helped in reaching the deal, the core issue of Nagorno-Karabakh remains unresolved. Tensions between the two countries have been high ever since Azerbaijan seized control of the region in September 2023. Though a peace agreement was signed, many believe it will take sustained diplomatic efforts to ensure long-term stability.
Egypt and Ethiopia
One of Trump’s more contentious claims was his intervention in the long-standing dispute between Egypt and Ethiopia over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) on the Nile River. The dam, completed in the summer of 2025, has been a source of intense tension, as Egypt fears that the dam will reduce its water supply from the Nile. In June, after months of stalled negotiations, Trump vowed to resolve the issue "very quickly." While Egypt expressed support for Trump’s intervention, Ethiopia’s officials criticized his remarks, fearing that his involvement might inflame tensions further. Despite Trump’s assurances, no formal agreement has been reached, and the underlying conflict over the dam remains unresolved.
Serbia and Kosovo
Trump also claimed credit for averting a potential war between Serbia and Kosovo, two countries with a deeply fraught history dating back to the Balkan wars of the 1990s. In June, Trump announced that he had prevented an outbreak of violence, pointing to his previous diplomatic efforts during his first term, which led to the signing of economic normalization agreements in 2020. However, many experts argue that Serbia and Kosovo were not on the brink of war, and that the two countries were already in the midst of a diplomatic process. While tensions remain between them, no active conflict was occurring at the time of Trump’s intervention, raising questions about how much credit he can truly claim.
Final Thoughts
While Trump’s administration has touted a series of ceasefire agreements and peace deals, it remains uncertain how much lasting peace these efforts will bring. In many cases, the conflicts that Trump claims to have ended are still simmering beneath the surface, with unresolved issues threatening to reignite violence. While his diplomatic efforts may have played a role in halting hostilities temporarily, the long-term stability of these regions remains in question. Regardless of the outcomes, Trump’s approach to international diplomacy—often marked by bold claims, economic leverage, and high-profile summits—has undeniably shaped global geopolitics in recent years.
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