'Peace for the world': Trump's birthday wish comes amid US-Iran tensions

WASHINGTON, DC: President Donald Trump stated that his wish for his upcoming 80th birthday is "peace for the world." He made the remark during a discussion with reporters in the Oval Office as the United States continued efforts to negotiate an agreement with Iran.

His comments come amid ongoing tensions between Washington and Tehran following a series of US strikes on Iranian targets. Trump, who will turn 80 on June 14, shared his thoughts while discussing developments in the Middle East and the prospects for a potential agreement between the two nations.

What did Trump say about his birthday wish?

Trump revealed his birthday wish after a reporter asked what he hoped for ahead of the milestone birthday, apart from peace in the Middle East.

After pausing, Trump responded, “Well, I’ll go a step bigger…peace for the world, OK?”

“Peace for the world,” he repeated. “Middle East? Yes. Peace for the whole world.”

The exchange took place in the Oval Office on June 10 as the administration continued to address developments involving Iran.

The comments came during a day in which the president also discussed military action against Iran. Trump said the United States had carried out strikes against Iranian targets and indicated that additional military action remained possible if negotiations failed to produce a breakthrough.

On that same day, the US Central Command confirmed on X that strikes had begun on “multiple targets in Iran” at the “Commander in Chief’s direction.”

According to the social media post, the strikes were launched in response to Iran’s “unwarranted and continued aggression.”

Trump also stated that his administration had been close to reaching an agreement with Iran but accused Tehran of delaying progress. He expressed hope that a deal could still be reached while maintaining pressure on Iranian leaders.

US-Iran negotiations continue amid military pressure

Trump's remarks about world peace came as his administration continued discussions aimed at securing a broader agreement with Iran.

In recent days, the president has repeatedly suggested that negotiations were advancing and that a peace deal could be finalized soon, although Iranian officials have said key issues remain unresolved.

During the same meeting in which he lifted the lid on his wish for “peace,” the president warned that the US could soon resume “attacking them very hard.”​

“We hit them hard yesterday, and we’re going to hit them again hard today, in case you miss it, in case you don’t turn on your television set,” he said. “And we’ll see what happens with a deal.”

Trump added, “We were really close to a deal, but they keep tapping us along, they keep playing us for suckers.”

Reports indicate that discussions have focused on security concerns in the Strait of Hormuz, sanctions relief and other long-standing disputes between the two countries.

White House prepares for Trump's birthday celebration

Amid the rising tensions, plans for Trump's birthday have continued to move forward. A huge UFC fighting arena has been constructed on the White House lawn, which will play host to Sunday's UFC Freedom 250 event.

Officially, the celebration is one of a series of events commemorating the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.