Donald Trump should win Nobel Peace Prize for Iran-Israel ceasefire, says basketball coach

Auburn basketball coach Bruce Pearl has called for Donald Trump to be awarded the Nobel Peace Prize after the President announced a ceasefire between Iran and Israel.

Trump broke the news about the ceasefire on Truth Social on Monday afternoon, shortly after Iran fired missles at a US base in Qatar in retaliation over the bombing of three nuclear sites at the weekend.

'This is a war that could have gone on for years and destroyed the entire middle East,' Trump wrote. 'But it didn't and enever will! God bless Israel, God bless Iran, God Bless the Middle East, God Bless the United States if America and GOD BLESS THE WORLD!' 

Responding to Trump's statement on X, Pearl wrote: 'This is what a peace maker and the leader of the free world does, he steps in when both sides can't agree and he gives them an offer they can't refuse.

'He should be awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. I pray that all sides can offer some grace and keep the peace.'

It is unclear at present what offer Trump made to strike the agreement between the two nations. Qatar's Prime Minister, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, secured Tehran's agreement to the US proposal for a ceasefire, an official briefed on the negotiations told Reuters.

The prime minister reached the agreement during a call with Iranian officials held after Iran's strikes on a US air base in Qatar on Monday. It came shortly after Trump had gotten Israel to agree to the terms.

Pearl, meanwhile, has been vocal in his support of Trump on social media - particularly in the aftermath of his bombing of the Iranian nuclear sites.

After news of the operation emerged on Saturday, Pearl wrote on X: Thank you Mr president for your strength and vision, keeping us safe. Proud of our troops! 

'You did what no one has had the courage to do for far too long. You were patient and clear. Pray for Peace through prosperity in the Middle East, expand now on the AA. You prevented a War.'

For now at least, it appears Pearl is right. Shortly after announcing the ceasefire, Trump underlined his belief that it will make a long-lasting impact in the Middle East.

He told NBC: 'I think the ceasefire is unlimited. It’s going to go forever.

'It’s a great day for America. It’s a great day for the Middle East. I’m very happy to have been able to get the job done. 

'A lot of people were dying, and it was only going to get worse. It would have brought the whole Middle East down.' 

As for the Nobel Peace Prize, Trump would have to be nominated for the award later this year through the Nobel Committee in October, before a shortlist that will be prepared for February.

Pearl, 65, has been the coach of the Auburn basketball team since 2014. Earlier this year, they reached the final four of the NCAA tournament.