Donald Trump Declines Intervention in Pakistan–Afghanistan Conflict, Praises Islamabad Leadership
New Delhi: US President Donald Trump has declined to intervene in the escalating conflict between Pakistan and Afghanistan, while praising Pakistan’s leadership amid intensifying hostilities between the neighbouring nations.
Speaking to reporters on Friday, Trump said he would refrain from stepping in, expressing confidence in Pakistan’s leadership. He praised Pakistan’s military chief, Asim Munir, and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, describing them as leaders he respects. “I would intervene, but you have a great prime minister and a great general. Pakistan is doing terrifically well,” Trump said.
The remarks came as Pakistan’s Defence Minister, Khawaja Asif, declared a state of “open war” with Afghanistan following a series of military strikes. Islamabad claimed its air force targeted 29 locations across Afghanistan, including Kandahar and Kabul, marking one of its largest military operations since the Taliban returned to power in 2021 after the withdrawal of United States forces.
According to Pakistani officials, the strikes killed 297 Afghan Taliban fighters and militants. However, Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid said Afghan forces had killed 55 Pakistani soldiers and captured several others, highlighting sharply conflicting accounts from both sides.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said Pakistan’s armed forces were fully capable of responding to threats. “Our forces have the full capability to crush any aggressive ambitions. The entire nation stands shoulder to shoulder with the Pakistan armed forces,” he said.
The US State Department voiced support for Pakistan’s right to defend itself while criticising the Taliban for failing to meet counterterrorism commitments. The department warned that terrorist groups continue to use Afghan territory to launch attacks, contributing to regional instability.
International reactions called for restraint. United Kingdom urged de-escalation, while China called for a ceasefire and Iran offered to mediate between the two sides.
Meanwhile, the US Embassy in Pakistan issued a security advisory urging American citizens to exercise caution, warning that military installations, law enforcement facilities, and major commercial centres remain potential targets for terrorist attacks.
Trump’s stance marks a shift from strained US–Pakistan relations during the tenure of former President Joe Biden. Pakistan, a major non-NATO ally of the United States, has recently praised Trump’s diplomatic efforts and mediation in international conflicts, even suggesting he deserved recognition such as the Nobel Peace Prize.
The situation remains tense, with fears of further escalation threatening regional stability.