WASHINGTON (The Thursday Times) — US President Donald Trump delivered strikingly warm remarks about Pakistan during a media interaction, praising Islamabad and Pakistan’s leadership while making clear that negotiations with Iran remain the immediate focus of Washington’s strategy.
Donald Trump: I have great respect for Pakistan and Islamabad, and tremendous respect for the Prime Minister and the Field Marshal. They’re working with us and continue to do so. pic.twitter.com/liGi2fCYxK
— The Thursday Times (@thursday_times) May 1, 2026
During the exchange, a reporter asked Trump whether he was aware that Pakistan had reopened land routes with Iran. Trump responded instantly: “I know everything.” He then asked the reporter, “Are you Pakistani?”
When the reporter replied that he was American, Trump continued by saying he had great respect for Pakistan, as well as tremendous respect for both the Prime Minister and the Field Marshal.
Trump added that he also held deep respect for Islamabad, saying Pakistan’s leadership was working with the United States and remained engaged. He suggested that while travel plans were being discussed, the White House was currently more focused on negotiations than overseas visits.
Trump on Pakistan:
Reporter: Pakistan has opened land routes with Iran. Are you aware of it?
Trump: I know everything about it. Are you from Pakistan?Reporter: No, I’m American.
Trump: I have great respect for Pakistan, Field Marshal and the Prime Minister. pic.twitter.com/5hb9JHYEXC— The Thursday Times (@thursday_times) May 1, 2026
The comments are likely to draw attention across the region, particularly at a time when Pakistan is increasingly being viewed as a potential diplomatic bridge between Washington and Tehran.
Speaking further on Iran, Trump described divisions inside the country’s leadership, saying different factions were pushing for different types of agreements. He added that even hardliners now appeared interested in reaching some form of deal.
He then outlined what he described as two choices facing the United States: take a harder route or continue trying to negotiate. Trump said that on a human basis, he would prefer to avoid war.
The remarks reinforce the view that while military pressure remains on the table, diplomacy is still the preferred option if a workable agreement can be reached. Pakistan’s name being repeatedly mentioned in that context is significant and may signal a growing backchannel role for Islamabad.
If Iran’s latest proposals lead to movement, Pakistan’s diplomatic relevance could rise further in the coming days. If talks stall, regional tensions may return quickly.
