Trump Says He Can ‘Quickly’ Resolve Pakistan–Afghanistan Conflict; Rubio Clarifies U.S. Ties with Pakistan and India

KARACHI — U.S. President Donald Trump has said he could “very quickly” resolve the ongoing conflict between Pakistan and Afghanistan, even as the two countries continue talks in Istanbul to ease cross-border tensions, Dawn.com reported.

Speaking on the sidelines of the ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur, Trump described the dispute as “one of eight wars” his administration had ended in eight months, adding:

“I heard that Pakistan and Afghanistan have started up, but I’ll get that solved very quickly. I know them both … the Pakistan field marshal and the prime minister are great people.”

Trump claimed credit for mediating multiple conflicts worldwide, saying his goal was to “save millions of lives” and calling it “a great thing to do.”

The remarks come amid Pakistan–Afghanistan peace talks in Istanbul, following recent border clashes and Pakistani airstrikes that killed dozens on both sides.

Trump recently praised Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Army Chief Gen. Asim Munir for their role in helping secure the Gaza ceasefire, while Sharif lauded Trump’s “visionary leadership” and reiterated Pakistan’s plan to nominate him for the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize.

Meanwhile, U.S. Senator Marco Rubio said strengthening U.S.–Pakistan ties would not harm Washington’s relations with India. Speaking at a State Department briefing, Rubio said:

“We see an opportunity to expand our strategic relationship with Pakistan… nothing we’re doing with Pakistan comes at the expense of our friendship with India, which is deep, historic, and important.”

He added that India understands Washington’s need for “mature and pragmatic diplomacy” and that both South Asian nations remain key partners for the United States.