On June 24, 2025, Georgia Congressman Buddy Carter formally nominated former U.S. President Donald Trump for the prestigious Nobel Peace Prize. The nomination was rooted in Trump’s central role in brokering a ceasefire between Israel and Iran following a brief but intense 12-day conflict. This development adds a new chapter to Trump’s ongoing journey towards Nobel recognition, building on previous nominations tied to the Abraham Accords and other diplomatic efforts during his presidency.
The nomination comes in the aftermath of a dramatic military confrontation between two longtime adversaries, Israel and Iran. Trump, known for his unconventional and high-stakes diplomatic style, stepped in to de-escalate the situation, leading to what he has called the end of the “12-Day War.”
Chronology of the 12-Day War and Ceasefire Agreement
The conflict that prompted Trump’s nomination unfolded rapidly in June 2025.
Between June 17 and June 21, Israel carried out pre-emptive airstrikes targeting key Iranian nuclear facilities. Israeli intelligence believed that Iran was on the verge of achieving nuclear weapon capability, raising alarm across the international community.
In response to Israel’s aggression, the United States, under Trump’s leadership, launched coordinated strikes on June 21. Three major Iranian nuclear sites were hit, with Trump later describing the operation as “completely and totally obliterated.” The former president made it clear that further retaliation from Iran would invite even more severe American military action.
By June 23, Iran retaliated by firing missiles toward a U.S. military airbase in Qatar. Interestingly, Iranian authorities reportedly provided advance warnings before the strike, allowing U.S. personnel to evacuate and avoid casualties. Analysts later suggested that this was a calculated move by Iran to demonstrate strength without escalating into a full-blown war.
On June 23 and June 24, Trump took to the international stage, announcing a ceasefire agreement that would take effect immediately. According to Trump, it was his direct diplomatic engagement that ensured both Israel and Iran agreed to halt hostilities. While there were some isolated rocket exchanges and mutual blame games immediately after the announcement, the ceasefire appeared to hold steady by June 25.
Buddy Carter’s Nomination Statement
In his formal letter to the Nobel Committee, Congressman Buddy Carter praised Trump for playing what he called an “extraordinary and historic role” in ending the conflict. Carter emphasized that Trump’s actions prevented further escalation and potentially a wider Middle Eastern war.
Carter’s statement highlighted Iran’s reputation as a state sponsor of terrorism and argued that Trump’s decisive moves had not only stopped the immediate fighting but also thwarted Iran’s path toward acquiring nuclear weapons. According to Carter, these actions exemplify the kind of global peacekeeping efforts the Nobel Peace Prize was designed to recognize.
The congressman lauded Trump’s “courage and clarity” in dealing with a highly volatile international crisis, stating that his intervention “saved countless lives on both sides.”
This is not Trump’s first Nobel nomination. Congressman Darrell Issa had previously nominated Trump earlier in 2025, citing his broader post-presidency influence. Additionally, Norwegian lawmaker Christian Tybring-Gjedde had nominated Trump for his role in the Abraham Accords in both 2018 and 2020. The Government of Pakistan has also publicly supported Trump’s candidacy for the Nobel Peace Prize, referencing his role in easing tensions between India and Pakistan in recent years.
Nomination Withdrawal: A Ukrainian Setback
However, the day Trump’s latest nomination was submitted, there was a notable setback. Oleksandr Merezhko, a Ukrainian Member of Parliament who had nominated Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize back in November 2024, formally withdrew his support.
Merezhko cited Trump’s inability to facilitate peace in Ukraine as the primary reason for his withdrawal. According to Merezhko, Trump’s promises to mediate between Russia and Ukraine had failed to materialize, and he had lost faith in Trump’s ability to deliver meaningful peace initiatives in Eastern Europe.
In a public statement, Merezhko said, “I have lost any sort of faith and belief in Trump and his ability to secure a ceasefire between Moscow and Kyiv.” This withdrawal underscores how politically divisive Trump’s Nobel aspirations remain, with strong opinions on both sides of the debate.
Global Reactions: Support and Skepticism
The global response to Trump’s nomination has been mixed.
Supporters argue that the ceasefire between Israel and Iran has helped stabilize the region, at least temporarily. Financial markets reflected this optimism, with oil prices dropping by more than five percent shortly after the ceasefire announcement. U.S. stock indices also experienced brief rallies, indicating investor confidence that further escalation had been averted.
Trump’s political allies were quick to capitalize on the moment, branding him as a global peacemaker and master negotiator. They pointed to his earlier successes with the Abraham Accords as evidence that Trump possesses unique diplomatic skills.
However, critics remain highly skeptical. Many have described the ceasefire as fragile and tenuous, citing multiple reports of violations in the hours and days following the agreement. Analysts warn that the conflict remains unresolved at a structural level, with deep-rooted geopolitical tensions between Israel and Iran likely to flare up again.
Some foreign policy experts argue that Trump’s aggressive military strikes may have simply delayed, rather than prevented, a broader war. There is also concern that such interventions risked dragging the United States deeper into another Middle Eastern conflict.
Furthermore, Trump’s repeated Nobel nominations have sparked debate over the perceived politicization of the Peace Prize. Unlike previous laureates like Barack Obama in 2009 or Theodore Roosevelt in 1906, Trump’s nominations have often been fueled by partisan supporters rather than broad international consensus.
Understanding the Nobel Process
The Nobel Peace Prize nomination process is both formal and highly competitive. Each year, over 300 individuals and organizations are nominated for the honor. Nominations close in January, and the Norwegian Nobel Committee spends several months reviewing all submissions.
Being nominated does carry prestige, but it does not necessarily indicate strong consideration for the final award. The committee evaluates each candidate based on their impact on global peace and the advancement of human rights.
The final decision is usually announced in October each year. Trump’s multiple nominations over the years reflect both his global reach and the political polarization surrounding his leadership style.
What’s at Stake for Trump, the Nobel Committee, and Global Politics
For Trump personally, winning the Nobel Peace Prize would mark a significant addition to his legacy. It would provide a powerful narrative tool as he continues to campaign for the 2028 presidential election and further cement his image as a global statesman.
For the Nobel Committee, awarding the prize to such a controversial figure could be seen as a departure from tradition. The committee would likely face intense scrutiny and backlash from segments of the international community.
In terms of Middle Eastern geopolitics, the durability of the ceasefire remains uncertain. Should the truce between Israel and Iran hold and develop into long-term peace talks, Trump’s case for the Nobel Prize would gain considerable strength.
For U.S. foreign policy, Trump’s hands-on, unilateral approach represents a significant shift from traditional diplomatic channels. His method of using executive authority and direct communication with world leaders challenges conventional models of international mediation.
The Road Ahead
The coming months will determine whether the Iran-Israel ceasefire can evolve into lasting peace or if it remains just a brief pause in hostilities. The Nobel Committee will deliberate carefully, considering not just the ceasefire but also Trump’s broader diplomatic track record and the ongoing criticism surrounding his methods.
Trump’s supporters are already using the nomination as a campaign tool, highlighting his ability to deliver rapid solutions to complex global crises. However, the withdrawal of support from figures like Oleksandr Merezhko also shows that Trump’s international reputation is far from universally positive.
Conclusion: Diplomacy, Politics, and Legacy
Donald Trump’s 2025 Nobel Peace Prize nomination reflects the complex intersection of diplomacy, politics, and global image-making. Whether viewed as a genuine act of peacemaking or as political theater, the nomination has reignited debate about the standards and symbolism of the Nobel Peace Prize.
The world will be watching both the Middle East and the Nobel Committee closely. One thing is certain: Trump’s quest for global recognition continues to stir both admiration and controversy.
