From Peace Prize to Protest: Pakistan Turns on Trump Over Iran Strikes
News Desk: Barely 24 hours after recommending US President Donald Trump for the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize over his alleged diplomatic role in defusing last month’s India-Pakistan conflict, Pakistan has now condemned Washington for launching airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities.
In a sharp statement issued on Sunday, the Pakistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed “grave concern” over what it called an unprecedented escalation in the region.
“The aggression against Iran is deeply disturbing. Any further escalation will have dangerous implications not just for the region but beyond,” the statement read.
The move highlights a sudden shift in Pakistan’s tone—lauding Trump for “peace efforts” one day and criticising his military decisions the next.
Trump Nominated by Pakistan for 2026 Nobel Peace Prize
On Saturday, the Pakistani government stunned observers by formally nominating President Trump for the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize, crediting his “decisive diplomatic intervention and pivotal leadership” during the recent India-Pakistan standoff.
The announcement, made on social media platform X, came just days after Trump hosted Pakistan Army Chief General Asim Munir for a private lunch at the White House.
“The Government of Pakistan has decided to formally recommend President Donald J. Trump for the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize,” the official post read.
General Munir’s high-profile US visit followed India’s large-scale retaliation under Operation Sindoor, in which Indian forces targeted nine terror camps inside Pakistan following the April 22 Pahalgam attack that left 26 tourists dead.
While India has repeatedly denied any foreign mediation, Trump has publicly claimed to have played a behind-the-scenes role in brokering the ceasefire between the two nuclear neighbours.
Trump Confirms US Strikes on Iran’s Nuclear Sites
Meanwhile, tensions in West Asia have surged after Trump announced precision airstrikes on Iran’s three major nuclear facilities—Fordow, Natanz, and Esfahan—on Saturday.
Speaking from the White House, Trump said the goal was to dismantle Iran’s nuclear enrichment capacity and eliminate the threat posed by “the world’s number one state sponsor of terror.”
“The strikes were a spectacular success. Iran must now choose between peace and further tragedy,” Trump declared.
He thanked Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the Israeli military, describing the strike as a “joint mission.”
Double Signals from Islamabad?
Analysts are calling out the apparent contradiction in Pakistan’s stance—praising Trump’s diplomacy while condemning his aggressive foreign policy.
“It’s a diplomatic tightrope. Pakistan wants to acknowledge Trump’s role in South Asia, yet cannot afford to remain silent on Iran due to its regional and religious sensitivities,” said one analyst.
With Iran likely to retaliate and regional tensions escalating, Pakistan’s balancing act between its western allies and regional partners has become increasingly delicate.
