(MENAFN) US President Donald Trump has ramped up efforts to secure the Nobel Peace Prize, directly pressuring the Norwegian government and the Nobel Committee, according to reports. While Trump cites his recent Middle East peace plan as justification, experts remain skeptical about his chances of being awarded the prestigious honor.

Trump has claimed that since taking office in January, he has resolved eight international conflicts, including disputes involving Cambodia and Thailand, Kosovo and Serbia, Congo and Rwanda, Israel and Iran, Egypt and Ethiopia, Armenia and Azerbaijan, as well as Pakistan and India. He presents these efforts as evidence of his eligibility for the Peace Prize.

The Norwegian Nobel Committee is scheduled to announce this year’s laureate on Friday. Analysts, however, point out that Trump’s domestic and international record, combined with the fact that the award typically recognizes achievements during 2024—a period before he assumed office—makes his selection unlikely.

“Putting pressure on the committee, going on talking about ‘I need the prize, I’m the worthy candidate’ — it’s not a very peaceful approach,” Nina Graeger, director of the Peace Research Institute Oslo, told reports. Halvard Leira of the Norwegian Institute of International Affairs noted that lobbying for the prize is not unusual, but past campaigns, such as South Korea’s 2000 push for Kim Dae-jung, were typically far more discreet.

Norwegian officials reportedly confirmed that Trump raised the issue during a call with Finance Minister and former NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg. Observers in Oslo are also reportedly concerned about potential retaliation, including tariffs or other punitive actions, if Trump is not chosen. Tensions have grown in recent weeks after Norway’s sovereign wealth fund divested from US company Caterpillar, citing the use of its equipment by Israel in Gaza.

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