President Donald Trump announced a ceasefire between Israel and Iran, asserting that the truce has taken effect following a period of intense conflict over the past twelve days.
Trump expressed frustration earlier on Tuesday regarding alleged violations of the ceasefire, particularly criticizing Israel’s military actions against Iran.
On social media, he emphasized, “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!”
The ceasefire was declared after both nations agreed to halt hostilities, although Israel claimed that Iran had fired missiles in violation of the truce, which Iran refuted.
Israeli Defense Minister Benny Gantz warned of a strong military response if the alleged violations continued, raising concerns about the stability of the ceasefire.
In a press conference outside the White House, President Trump expressed his dissatisfaction with Israel’s activities, stating, “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, the biggest load that we’ve seen. I’m not happy with Israel.”
He further cautioned Israel against any resumption of its offensive actions, posting a stark warning: “ISRAEL. DO NOT DROP THOSE BOMBS. IF YOU DO IT IS A MAJOR VIOLATION. BRING YOUR PILOTS HOME, NOW!”
Following Trump’s comments, the office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed that the Israeli air force targeted a radar installation near Tehran but decided against further strikes.
Netanyahu’s statement noted that this restraint was in accordance with their conversation with Trump.
The ceasefire is significant after over a week and a half of violent exchanges, which had heightened tensions in the Middle East and raised fears of broader conflict involving the United States.
Netanyahu has justified Israel’s military actions as necessary to eliminate “existential threats” posed by Iran’s ballistic missile capabilities and nuclear facilities.
Iran, meanwhile, has consistently asserted that its nuclear program is intended for peaceful, civilian purposes, although experts indicate it has amassed enough enriched uranium to potentially develop several nuclear weapons.
The conflict escalated when the U.S. military intervened, helping to intercept missile barrages launched toward Israel.
Over the weekend, the U.S. also participated directly in the conflict, bombing three Iranian nuclear facilities.
In retaliation, Iran executed missile strikes targeting a U.S. base in Qatar, although U.S. and Qatari forces were able to intercept the missiles successfully.
Trump alleged that U.S. officials had been forewarned about the Iranian missile strikes prior to their execution.
The initial U.S. military strike was described as powerful yet targeted, while analysts suggested that Iran’s subsequent missile response was intended to maintain its image without escalating hostilities further.
Diplomatic efforts started gaining traction as on Monday night, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio engaged in talks with Israeli Minister Ron Dermer.
Subsequently, President Trump and Prime Minister Netanyahu coordinated, and Netanyahu agreed in principle to a ceasefire.
Qatar later acted as a mediator in negotiations with Iran.
Despite the announcement of the ceasefire, both Iran and Israel exchanged strikes right up until the moment the truce was set to begin, leading to casualties on both sides according to Iranian state media and Israeli officials.
Iranian state television reported that Tehran had “imposed” the ceasefire on what it referred to as the “Zionist enemy,” highlighting the ongoing hostilities in the region.
Netanyahu’s office subsequently stated that the military campaign against Iran had achieved its objectives and that Israel was acting in full coordination with Trump to establish a bilateral ceasefire.
Trump reiterated on social media, “THE CEASEFIRE IS NOW IN EFFECT. PLEASE DO NOT VIOLATE IT!”
The full extent of casualties resulting from the conflict remains unclear, with Iran’s Health Ministry indicating that 606 individuals had died due to Israeli strikes in Iran, while a human rights activist group claimed the total fatalities reached 974.
The Israeli government reported 28 deaths from the missile strikes launched by Iran onto Israeli territory.
This is a developing story and may be updated as new information emerges.
image source from：npr
