Trump hails Shehbaz as ‘terrific man’ at UN

US President Donald Trump gave Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif a special mention during his address to the 81st United Nations General Assembly, describing him as a “terrific man” while again highlighting his claimed role in helping end the Pakistan-India military confrontation in May 2025.

Addressing world leaders in New York on Tuesday, Trump said his administration had helped resolve several international conflicts since he took office. He said he had worked with leaders of the countries involved and used diplomatic ties and economic measures to help bring the conflicts to an end.

While listing the disputes he said he had helped settle, Trump mentioned Pakistan and India along with Thailand and Cambodia, Armenia and Azerbaijan and the conflict in Gaza.

Trump then referred to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif while discussing his role in the Pakistan-India conflict.

“The prime minister of Pakistan — terrific man,” Trump said, adding that Shehbaz had credited him with saving millions of lives.

Trump has repeatedly claimed credit for helping bring the Pakistan-India military escalation to an end in May 2025.

Tensions between Pakistan and India increased sharply in April 2025 after a deadly attack targeting tourists in occupied Kashmir. India attributed the attack to Pakistan, while Islamabad rejected the allegation.

The two nuclear-armed neighbours subsequently exchanged military strikes before a ceasefire was announced in May. Trump has since repeatedly spoken about his involvement in efforts to stop the escalation.

The US president has also previously praised Pakistan’s Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff, Field Marshal Asim Munir, describing him in highly favourable terms.

During his UN address, Trump also spoke at length about the ongoing conflict involving Iran and issued a warning over Tehran’s nuclear programme.

Trump said the United States had acted to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon. He warned that Washington could take further military action if a diplomatic agreement was not reached.

He presented the situation as a choice between reaching an agreement that would allow Iran to rebuild and taking much more severe action against the country.

Trump said he believed a deal with Iran could be reached after the US midterm elections scheduled for November 3.

He urged other countries to join Washington in applying economic pressure on Tehran and argued that increased isolation could push Iran towards negotiations.

Trump also said he believed Iran was waiting to see the outcome of the US midterm elections before making major decisions.