A world leader was left visibly stunned by an Aussie reporter\u2019s bold suggestion for dealing with US President Donald Trump \u2013 and stopping war in its tracks. <\/p>\n
Australian journalist Latika Bourke, who works for The Nightly, caught Finnish president Alexander Stubb off guard after suggesting Europe should bargain with Mr Trump by offering support in Iran in exchange for help in Ukraine. <\/p>\n
The idea of striking a deal with the US president was put to Mr Stubb during a question-and-answer session at London\u2019s Chatham House think tank on Tuesday local time. <\/p>\n
\u201cWhy doesn\u2019t Europe go to Trump and say, if you want assistance in the Gulf, here\u2019s what we want you to do on Ukraine?\u201d Ms Bourke asked.<\/p>\n
Mr Stubb seemed obviously impressed at the suggestion, replying: \u201cI think that\u2019s a really good idea, I might pick you up on that\u201d.<\/p>\n
After laughter from the audience, he silently paused as he appeared to consider the question and gather his thoughts, before replying, \u201cNo, I think it\u2019s actually a really good idea\u201d.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m available for advice,\u201d Ms Bourke responded.<\/p>\n
\u201cCan my team take your phone number please?\u201d Mr Stubb joked.<\/p>\n
\u201cNo, but I mean, yeah. I\u2019ll think about it, I\u2019ll talk about it with my colleagues.\u201d<\/p>\n
Meanwhile, the relationship between Mr Trump and Finnish president Alexander Stubb is surprisingly close, after the pair golfed and lunched together at Mar-a-Lago in March 2025. <\/p>\n
Since then, he has acted as a point of contact for the White House in Europe. <\/p>\n
However, on Tuesday, he downplayed his ability to influence the US President.<\/p>\n
\u201cI have no illusions about who can convince President Trump on anything,\u201d he said. <\/p>\n
\u201cIf I get one idea out of 10 in on Ukraine, I think it\u2019s good.\u201d<\/p>\n
Trump\u2019s Iran demand<\/p>\n
The eyebrow-raising exchange between Ms Bourke and Mr Stubb comes after Mr Trump this week pushed for a naval coalition to re-open the crucial Strait of Hormuz.<\/p>\n
About one-fifth of the world\u2019s oil supply passes through the strait, which has been effectively closed since the war between US-Israeli forces and Iran broke out on February 28.<\/p>\n
With the war nearing its third week, Brent crude prices have soared above $US100 a barrel, spiking fuel costs globally and prompting emergency measures. <\/p>\n
\u201cHopefully China, France, Japan, South Korea, the UK, and others, that are affected by this artificial constraint, will send Ships,\u201d Trump said in his request on March 14.<\/p>\n