And now comes the first State of the Union address of the Prophet of World Peace, Donald J. Trump — the man who stormed back into the White House promising to end wars, seal borders, and make America (and by extension, the watching world) great again. As the undisputed leader of today’s sole superpower stands before a joint session of Congress on that historic night of February 24, 2026, we must read every word, every sentence, and catch every shift in tone of this monumental address.

Because what this man says doesn’t just echo under the Capitol dome — it ripples across the Arabian Sea, through the Himalayas, across the Persian Gulf, and straight into the lives of millions in Pakistan, India, and Iran. Buddy, from Islamabad on this bright February 26 afternoon (as the call to Zuhr prayer echoes through the streets), this one hits close to home, yaar. It stirs the soul, for peace is no small thing — it is the greatest blessing Allah grants to His servants.

Trump’s delivery? Pure vintage fire. Clocking in at a staggering 1 hour 48 minutes — the longest joint-session address in American history — he turned the House chamber into his personal victory arena. Republicans rose in thunderous standing ovations more than 70 times. Democrats mostly sat arms-folded, some heckling, a few even walking out during the border section. The tone? Triumphant emperor meets street-fighter: boastful, unapologetic, laced with “I did this” energy, sprinkled with “you’re welcome, world,” and backed by that signature gravelly cadence that makes every claim sound like gospel. He opened with “our nation is back: Bigger, better, richer and stronger than ever before,” and never looked back.

But let’s zoom straight into the parts that matter most to us in South Asia and the Middle East — the sections on Pakistan-India and Iran. These weren’t tiny footnotes. They were spotlight moments, delivered with chest-out pride, around the 16- to 24-minute mark when he pivoted to foreign policy, and later in the heavier Iran segment.

Here are the expanded, verbatim-heavy notes (drawn from transcripts like AP, NYT, Factba.se, and fact-checks), with context, tone analysis, and real-world geo-political ripples for our region — now woven with the eternal wisdom of the Quran, the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (Peace & Blessings be upon Him), and the poetic fire of our national poet Allama Muhammad Iqbal, for true peace is not born of tariffs or strikes alone, but of hearts inclined toward reconciliation.

The Pakistan-India Nuclear Shadow: “35 Million People… If It Were Not For My Involvement”
Trump dropped this bomb right in the middle of his “I ended eight wars in my first ten months” victory lap. Exact words from the transcript:
“In my first 10 months, I ended eight wars, including Cambodia… Pakistan and India, would have had a nuclear war. 35 million people said the prime minister of Pakistan would have died if it were not for my involvement.”

He listed the full eight like trophies: Cambodia-Thailand, Pakistan-India, Kosovo-Serbia, Israel-Iran, Egypt-Ethiopia, Armenia-Azerbaijan, Congo-Rwanda, and Gaza (which he said is now “at a very low level… just about there”). The Pakistan-India line got an extra dramatic flourish — he paused, leaned in, and let the number “35 million” hang in the air before the Republican cheers exploded.

Tone? Pure saviour mode. Not humble mediation — personal heroism. He painted missiles in the air, cities vanishing, only his calls, tariffs threats, “I talked to both sides” stopping Armageddon. He referenced the Pakistani PM’s alleged private warning. No dates or mechanics detailed (we recall the May 2025 flare-up after terror incidents, India’s “Operation Sindoor” strikes, rapid de-escalation), but the message: Without Trump, nuclear winter in South Asia.

What does this mean for us here in Pakistan?
Huge domestic boost for Islamabad. Pakistani media is lapping it up — “Trump credits PM’s warning, saved 35 million lives.” It gives narrative leverage: America’s strongman respects our red lines. India’s reaction? Instant ice — MEA: “No third-party mediation; bilateral resolution.” Indian channels called it “fantasy.” So the claim widens the trust gap even while claiming to close the conflict.

Geo-politically? Trump’s return to “personal deal-making” over multilateral forums. No UN, no SCO, no China-brokered talks — just Trump, Modi, Shehbaz. For Pakistan’s economy: breathing room, lower sanctions risk, potential IMF nods. But “tariffs here and there” means economic coercion stays in his stick. If another Kashmir flash, expect tweets, not quiet diplomacy. For India: undercuts “bilateral only” doctrine. China watches CPEC security quietly.

Yet, as we ponder this boast, let us turn to the true source of peace — Allah’s words and His Messenger’s guidance. The Quran commands:
“And if two factions among the believers should fight, then make settlement between the two. But if one of them oppresses the other, then fight against the one that oppresses until it returns to the ordinance of Allah. Then if it returns, make settlement between the two in justice and act justly. Indeed, Allah loves those who act justly.” (Al-Hujurat 49:9)

And further:
“The believers are but brothers, so make settlement between your brothers. And fear Allah that you may receive mercy.” (Al-Hujurat 49:10)
These verses remind us: Reconciliation is obligatory, justice the foundation. No boasting in mediation — only service to brotherhood. The Prophet Muhammad (Peace & Blessings be upon Him) elevated it above voluntary worship:

Abu Darda reported: The Messenger of Allah (Peace & Blessings be upon Him) said, “Shall I not tell you of what is better in degree than extra fasts, prayers, and charity?” They said, “Of course!” He said, “Reconciliation between people, for ruined relations between people is the razor.” (Sunan al-Tirmidhi, Sahih)
And he (Peace & Blessings be upon Him) allowed even white lies for peace: “He is not a liar who reconciles between people, conveying good messages and saying good things.” (Bukhari, Muslim)

Allama Muhammad Iqbal, our Shaheen of thought, echoed this in his vision of unity and love conquering division:
Akhuwat ka byan ho ja, mohabbat ki zuban ho ja
Greed has split mankind into little pieces;
Become the statement of brotherhood, become the language of love.

In “Tulu-e-Islam,” Allama Muhammad Iqbal sang of a rising dawn where love triumphs: “Muhabbat fateh-e-alam” — love conquers the world. Trump may claim the save, but true prevention lies in hearts embracing akhuwat, not just phone calls. Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah too taught us unity: “We are now all Pakistanis — not Balochis, Pathans, Sindhis, Bengalis, Punjabis and so on — and as Pakistanis we must feel, behave and act, and we should be proud to be known as Pakistanis and nothing else.”
Iran: “Operation Midnight Hammer” — Obliterated, But Still Sinister

Later, around the 90-minute mark, heavier tone:
“That’s why in a breakthrough operation last June, the United States military obliterated Iran’s nuclear weapons program with an attack on Iranian soil known as Operation Midnight Hammer… They were warned to make no future attempts to rebuild… yet they continue… We are in negotiations… My preference is to solve this problem through diplomacy. But one thing is certain, I will never allow… Iran to have a nuclear weapon.”

Tone: Steel. Brag on strikes (Natanz, Fordow, Isfahan), then warning: rebuilding, long-range missiles. Diplomacy door ajar, hammer cocked.
Ripple? Pakistan borders Iran — Chabahar, gas dreams, Baloch issues. “No. 1 sponsor of terror” pressures proxies. If talks collapse, oil spikes hit our imports. Iran calls it “big lies.” For India: helps anti-terror narrative via Israel ties. Gulf Sunnis relieved, Hormuz tense.

Mixed: Diplomacy window = de-escalation chance. “Never allow” = permanent U.S. posture, drones near Makran. Trump’s tone: peace through dominance.
Quranic wisdom here too: Peace preferred, but no aggression:
“And if they incline to peace, then incline to it [also] and rely upon Allah.” (Al-Anfal 8:61)

And defense only: “Fight in the way of Allah those who fight you but do not transgress. Indeed, Allah does not like transgressors.” (Al-Baqarah 2:190)
The Prophet Muhammad (Peace & Blessings be upon Him) taught: “Do not wish to meet the enemy, but if you meet them, be patient.” Peace first, always.
Allama Muhammad Iqbal’s call rings: In “Tarana-e-Milli,” unity of Muslims worldwide — “China, Arabia, India are our home; We are Muslims, the whole world is ours.” A reminder: Our strength is tawhid and brotherhood, not division fueled by external hammers.

Overall Observers’ Opinion on the Rest of the Address: Victory Lap or Dangerous Echo Chamber?
The broader speech: 60% domestic triumph (economy roaring, borders sealed, crime down), 25% culture-war jabs, 15% global flex. Economy: inflation crushed, investments trillions. Border: zero crossings, fentanyl down. Crime lowest in decades. Welcomed Olympians, pushed faith.

Democrats slammed as “crazy.” Neutral observers: Republicans hail masterclass; liberals call exaggerated (wars were brief skirmishes, Iran not fully obliterated per experts). International: relief on de-escalations, skepticism on unilateralism. From Islamabad: pragmatic relief — “Better Trump bragging about saving us than ignoring.” Reinforces personal ties over institutions. Keep back-channels warm. But fragile peace via fear.

Critics note omissions: little on climate, Ukraine vague. Greatest-hits album.
Bottom line from this observer in Islamabad, yaar? Trump painted himself ultimate deal-maker dragging world from brinks — including ours. Regional parts give Pakistan diplomatic oxygen, story of gratitude; keep Iran boxed. Rest screams “America First working” — when superpower is strong, ripples aid stability here, even if bragging grates.

Yet true peace? Not in boasts, but divine guidance. As Allama Muhammad Iqbal urged: Rise with faith, unity, love. May Allah grant our region lasting salam, free from nuclear shadows, through justice and reconciliation. Ameen.