US President declines to intervene, praises Islamabad’s leadership
February 28, 2026: US President Donald Trump has declined to intervene in the escalating conflict between Pakistan and Afghanistan, instead publicly praising Pakistan’s leadership. Speaking to reporters, Trump said he had confidence in the country’s prime minister and military chief, describing them as leaders he respects. His remarks came as Islamabad declared a state of war and claimed it had carried out aerial strikes on 29 locations inside Afghanistan.
The comments were widely seen as a diplomatic tilt towards Islamabad, with references to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and military chief Asim Munir. A Pakistani government spokesperson said 297 Afghan Taliban fighters were killed in the operation, while Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid claimed Afghan forces had killed 55 Pakistani soldiers and captured several others. The strikes mark Pakistan’s most significant military action against Afghanistan since the Taliban returned to power in 2021 after the US withdrawal.
A US State Department spokesperson said Washington supports Pakistan’s “right to defend itself” against Taliban attacks, signalling closer ties under Trump’s second term. The shift contrasts with the more strained US-Pakistan relationship during former President Joe Biden’s tenure. Pakistan has repeatedly praised Trump’s mediation efforts in global conflicts and has even suggested he deserves the Nobel Peace Prize.