Trump Convenes First Board of Peace Meeting

U.S. President Donald Trump convened the first official meeting of the Board of Peace on Thursday morning in Washington, D.C., formally launching a body he established last month to oversee his proposed Gaza ceasefire framework and post-war reconstruction efforts.

Billions Pledged for Gaza

Addressing heads of state and senior diplomats, Trump announced that member countries had pledged $7 billion toward reconstruction in Gaza. He added that the United States would contribute $10 billion to the initiative through the Board of Peace.

The meeting took place at the U.S. Institute of Peace, a building Trump noted now bears his name. In his opening remarks, he credited Secretary of State Marco Rubio with taking control of the institution.

Israel and several Arab states are members of the Board and were represented at the session. However, no Palestinian representative was present.

Global Attendance and Political Sensitivities

Delegations from more than 40 countries attended, including Argentina, Hungary, India, Pakistan and Vietnam. The United Kingdom and some other nations chose not to formally join the Board over concerns that Russia could participate in the new body, though they sent observers to the meeting.

The gathering coincided with a United Nations Security Council session on Gaza, which was moved forward to enable diplomats to attend both events. Some officials and analysts have expressed concern that the Board of Peace could evolve into a parallel diplomatic structure potentially challenging the role of the United Nations.

Trump acknowledged that possibility, suggesting the Board could one day “look over” the U.N. to ensure it operates effectively, while also pledging close cooperation.

“This is the most prestigious board ever put together,” Trump told attendees, comparing it favorably to major corporate boards.

Iran in Focus

Beyond Gaza, Trump used the platform to address escalating tensions with Iran. He said U.S. envoys had held “very good meetings” with Iranian officials and stressed the urgency of reaching what he described as a meaningful agreement.

“They cannot have a nuclear weapon — they’ve been told that very strongly,” Trump said.

He indicated that developments could unfold within the next 10 days, warning that failure to secure a deal would result in consequences. “If they don’t join us, that will be great too. But that will be a very different path,” he said.

Trump emphasized that Iran must not continue to threaten regional stability and reiterated that “bad things will happen” if negotiations fail.