Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday said he has nominated US President Donald Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize, following what both leaders hailed as a successful joint operation targeting Iran’s nuclear facilities.

During a dinner with top aides in the White House Blue Room, the two leaders celebrated the strikes and discussed a proposed 60-day ceasefire aimed at pausing the 21-month conflict in Gaza.

“He’s forging peace as we speak, one country and one region after the other,” Netanyahu said as he handed Trump a letter he said had been sent to the Nobel committee, AP reported.

The nomination comes in the wake of a military offensive ordered by Trump, involving “bunker-buster” bombs and Tomahawk missiles hitting three key Iranian nuclear sites. The Israeli leader had long pushed Washington to take stronger military action against Tehran’s nuclear ambitions.

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The moment also served to bolster Trump’s desire for international recognition. The former president has openly expressed his aspiration to receive the Nobel Peace Prize, often pointing to his role in facilitating truces across global hotspots.

Trump hails Netanyahu’s nomination

“Coming from you in particular, this is very meaningful,” Trump told Netanyahu in response to the nomination, as per AP.

Despite the celebratory mood, Netanyahu’s visit, which marked his third to Washington this year, apparently was shadowed by Israel’s ongoing war in Gaza and lingering uncertainty over whether Trump will intensify efforts to secure a ceasefire. In a joint statement before reporters, the two leaders projected optimism about the region’s future following the Iran operation.

“I think things are going to be really settled down a lot in the Middle East,” Trump said. “And, they respect us and they respect Israel.”

Also Read:Israel PM Netanyahu says ‘many opportunities have opened up’ after Iran operation; hints at shift in hostage strategy 

Iran talks may resume soon, says Trump

Trump also claimed that Iran had shown interest in resuming nuclear negotiations, which were halted after the onset of Israeli strikes. “We have scheduled Iran talks, and they want to,” Trump told reporters. “They want to talk.”

He had earlier said the talks would resume “soon,” a timeline echoed by his Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff, who added that the meeting might take place within a week. However, Iran has yet to officially confirm its willingness to return to the negotiating table.