Washington: The question has been circulating for months, ‘will Donald Trump finally win the Nobel Peace Prize?’ The US President addressed the speculation on Wednesday, claiming his administration had “settled seven wars” and was “close to settling an eighth,” while insisting he had “no idea” whether the Nobel Committee would select him for the 2025 award.

Speaking at a roundtable with reporters at the White House, Trump said his record in resolving global conflicts was unmatched.

“We settled seven wars. We’re close to settling an eighth. I think we’ll end up settling the Russia situation. I don’t think anybody in history has settled that many. But perhaps they’ll find a reason not to give it to me,” he remarked.

A post shared by the White House on X described him as “The Peace President,” alongside an image of Trump.

What did Trump say about his chances?

When asked directly about his prospects of winning, Trump said he had been nominated by “several countries” but remained uncertain of the outcome. He added that the Norwegian Nobel Committee might “find a reason” to overlook him despite his achievements.

Trump has repeatedly claimed credit for mediating international crises, including the ceasefire between India and Pakistan after their brief four-day conflict in May this year; a statement he has repeated more than 50 times in recent months.

What do experts think?

Experts, however, are far from convinced. According to reports, Peter Wallensteen, a Swedish professor and international affairs specialist “No, it will not be Trump this year.”

He added, “But perhaps next year? By then the dust will have settled around his various initiatives, including the Gaza crisis.”

Many analysts believe that while Trump is eager for the honour, the Nobel Committee is unlikely to choose him at a time when his policies and rhetoric have stirred global controversy.

Conflicts across the globe are at their highest level in decades, with Israel and Iran locked in direct confrontation alongside the ongoing Israeli offensive in Gaza.

India and Pakistan have traded missiles and drones, while border clashes have erupted between Thailand and Cambodia.

According to reports, 2024 recorded the most state-involved conflicts since Sweden’s Uppsala University began documenting wars in 1946.

Who are the front-runners for the 2025 peace prize?

The Norwegian Nobel Committee confirmed that it had received 338 nominations this year; 244 individuals and 94 organisations. After an eight-month review process, one winner will be selected.

There is no clear favourite, but speculation centres on a few strong contenders:

  • Sudan’s Emergency Response Rooms, a volunteer network providing aid to civilians amid conflict and famine
  • Yulia Navalnaya, widow of late Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny
  • The Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights, recognised for its election monitoring efforts.

Some experts think the committee may use this year’s selection to reaffirm its support for global cooperation and multilateralism, a stance indirectly opposing populist and isolationist leaders such as Trump.

Potential choices under that theme include UN Secretary-General António Guterres, the UNHCR, or UNRWA, the Palestinian relief agency.

Others predict the award could highlight international justice or media freedom, with possible picks including the International Criminal Court, the International Court of Justice, or press watchdogs such as the Committee to Protect Journalists and Reporters Without Borders.

What does the prize represent?

The Nobel Peace Prize, awarded annually by the Norwegian Nobel Committee, recognises outstanding efforts toward peace and humanitarian progress.

Last year’s award went to Nihon Hidankyo, Japan’s atomic bomb survivors’ association, for its campaign to eliminate nuclear weapons.

Trump was nominated for the prize during his first term but never won. For now, despite his bold claims and high self-belief, most observers agree his chances remain slim.