President Trump confirmed that a ceasefire between Israel and Iran is now in effect, following 12 days of intense fighting. The announcement came after Trump publicly criticized both countries for alleged violations of the truce he helped broker.
Trump’s Angry Response to Ceasefire Violations
Earlier Tuesday, Trump lashed out at Israel after the country allegedly violated the ceasefire by launching strikes. “Israel, as soon as we made the deal, they came out and they dropped a load of bombs, the likes of which I’ve never seen before,” Trump told reporters outside the White House.
Trump also posted a stern warning on social media: “ISRAEL. DO NOT DROP THOSE BOMBS. IF YOU DO IT IS A MAJOR VIOLATION. BRING YOUR PILOTS HOME, NOW!”
Israeli Response and Compromise
Israel’s office said its air force struck a radar installation near Tehran but held off on further attacks. “Pursuant to the conversation between President Trump and Prime Minister Netanyahu, Israel has refrained from additional attacks,” the Prime Minister’s Office stated.
Trump later confirmed: “ISRAEL is not going to attack Iran. All planes will turn around and head home, while doing a friendly ‘Plane Wave’ to Iran. Nobody will be hurt, the Ceasefire is in effect!”
12 Days of Escalating Conflict
The conflict began when Israel launched strikes on Iran to remove what Prime Minister Netanyahu called “existential threats” – Iran’s ballistic missiles and nuclear facilities. Iran responded with missile barrages, leading to a deadly air war.
The fighting escalated over the weekend when the U.S. joined the Israeli offensive directly, bombing three Iranian nuclear facilities. Iran retaliated by firing missiles at a U.S. base in Qatar, which were successfully intercepted.
Diplomatic Efforts Lead to Ceasefire
The ceasefire came together through intensive diplomatic efforts:
- Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke with Israeli Cabinet minister Ron Dermer
- Trump and Netanyahu had a direct conversation
- Qatar mediated a deal with Iran
Both sides continued exchanging strikes until the final moments before the truce began, causing casualties on both sides.
Casualty Figures
The final death toll remains unclear:
- Iran’s Health Ministry reported 606 people killed by Israeli strikes
- Human Rights Activists News Agency counted 974 total fatalities
- Israel reported 28 people killed by Iranian strikes
Ceasefire Details
Netanyahu’s office said the military campaign achieved its objectives and agreed to Trump’s ceasefire proposal “in full coordination with President Trump.”
Iran’s state TV claimed Tehran “imposed” a ceasefire on the “Zionist enemy,” reflecting the country’s refusal to officially recognize Israel.
Trump’s Role as Mediator
Trump’s involvement highlights his administration’s direct engagement in Middle East conflicts. His public criticism of both sides while mediating demonstrates his unconventional diplomatic approach.
The ceasefire, if it holds, prevents the conflict from drawing the broader Middle East and United States into a wider war.
