Donald's Diplomacy: The Art of the Deal?

Within a whirlwind of a few months, Donald Trump has achieved surprising diplomatic successes in countries plagued by conflicts, to the extent that whispers of Nobel Peace Prize nominations have already started to circulate. These deals not only sought peace, but have also landed the US, especially Trump, a handful of wins, from grabbing a favourable minerals deal to possibly winning a Nobel Peace Prize. However, doubt arises regarding how involved Trump has been in these negotiations. Can he really be considered a key negotiator in these conflicts, or is it all his own political self-appraisal?

India and Pakistan erupted into full-blown chaos in April 2025, which prompted US diplomatic involvement. It started with a militant attack in May 2025 in Indian-administered Kashmir, which killed 26 tourists. This triggered a chain of retaliations and accusations of violations from both sides, with fears that the conflict would spiral. However, a peace deal was reached relatively quickly, with the involvement of 30 countries, and both sides agreed they would immediately stop all military action on air, land and sea. The US President was quick to take credit, announcing almost immediately, ‘I stopped the war between Pakistan and India.’ A bold statement that disregards the efforts put in by numerous ambassadors and the US National Security Advisor, Marco Rubio. The President of India, Narendra Modi, was swift to respond to Trump’s self-appraisal, clarifying that the ceasefire was reached through the two militaries and not US mediation.’An interview with Al Jazeera reaffirmed this position with Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar rejecting  Washington’s narrative, insisting that Islamabad acted independently.

Similarly, Washington’s presence was demanded in Africa, where two rival countries erupted into conflict, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Once again, Trump took credit for the peace, this time, met with little backlash or question. The deal agrees for Rwandan troops to vacate from Congo within 90 days, after a tense conflict, which resulted in thousands dead and over 7 million displaced. This is a decades-old conflict that is rooted inthe 1994 Rwandan genocide, a horrific fight between the ethnic groups Hutus and Tutsi. A 2022 United Nations report has noted that since the genocide, Rwanda has been ‘actively backing’ the M23 in Congo, a rebel group primarily made up of Tusti, and that there are even Rwandan troops in Congo,which Rwanda has repeatedly denied. 

Illustration by Will Allen/Europinion

Despite these tensions, a peace deal was eventually reached and a sense of stability has finally reached the region, with Trump declaring that the entire region begins ‘a new chapter of hope and opportunity.’ The agreement also conveniently aligns with  US interests, as Trump has managed to acquire an additional minerals agreement dedicated to bringing western investment to Rwanda’s and Congo’s mining sectors, and crucially giving the US access to critical minerals. This deal, alongside the peace agreement, have faced scrutiny and are met with unpopularity due to their ‘vagueness,’ particularly regarding the US mineral involvement. The peace deal also faces struggle. The mineral-rich Democratic Republic of Congo will struggle with protecting itself from rebel groups vying for their own economic interests and with the lack of clarity regarding US investment, it remains uncertain whether it is a step towards recovery and stability, or another chapter of exploitation.

Trump’s diplomatic reach has also extended to Israel and Iran. Israel has been atthe centre of one of the most devastating conflicts with Palestine in  recent years, with a reported over 50,000 Palestinians dead. This war has garnered intense media scrutiny and global attention, particularly online, with many taking to social media to call for action against the conflict.The conflict in Israel and Iran, although long-standing, was accelerated by the war in Gaza, complicating the United States’ role in navigating a peace treaty. Nevertheless, a fragile ceasefire has been reached between Israel and Iran, yet commitment from either side remains uncertain as the conflict in the Middle East continues.

Ceasefire talks have continued in Gaza, where Trump claimed that the negotiations, at the beginning of July, were ‘going well’ as they work to controversially relocate Palestinians. The proposal has undoubtedly been met with sharp criticism and disdain, seen by many to violate and disregard Palestinian sovereignty, whilst failing to address the injustices the Palestinians have faced throughout this conflict. As tensions remain at an all-time high, it can only be hoped that a lasting ceasefire will be achieved, one that prioritises justice, accountability and the Palestinian people.

Netanyahu seems immensely pleased with Trump’s efforts, even going as far as to nominate him for a Nobel Peace Prize. This nomination follows the US’ involvement in conflict resolution in Asia and Africa, as well as peace negotiations between Israel and Hamas. Netanyahu stated that Trump was ‘forging peace as we speak, and one country and one region after the other’. A similar nomination may also emerge from Pakistan, as their government officials have praised his work during their period of conflict. Yet, the US bombing of Iran, which violated international law, may affect their decision. As Trump once again finds himself at the centre of the global stage, his Nobel Peace Prize nominations invite reflection on the significance and impact of his presidency and his role in conflict resolution.

Illustrations by Will Allen/Europinion