Trump Calls for De-escalation Amid Iran-Israel Ceasefire
In a surprising turn of events, former US President Donald Trump publicly urged Israel to cease its military operations and honor the newly established ceasefire with Iran. Taking to his social media platform, Trump insisted, "All planes will head home," signaling a firm stance against further airstrikes in the ongoing conflict.
12-Day Conflict Comes to a Tentative Pause
Israel had declared that it met all its strategic goals in the recent 12-day confrontation, primarily aimed at neutralizing what it described as Tehran's nuclear ambitions and ballistic missile threats. Following extensive negotiations, Israel agreed to a US-brokered ceasefire, hoping to halt hostilities and bring stability to the region.
Ceasefire Timeline Announced
Trump outlined a phased ceasefire plan: "Iran will start the ceasefire, followed by Israel 12 hours later, culminating in the official end of the war within 24 hours." This statement came shortly after Iran targeted American military bases across the Middle East, escalating tensions further.
Ceasefire Breach and Rising Tensions
Despite the ceasefire declaration, the situation quickly grew tense. Israel's Defence Minister accused Iran of violating the ceasefire by launching missile strikes. In response, he ordered the Israeli Defence Forces to carry out intense retaliatory strikes on key targets within Tehran. This development sparked a sharp rebuke from Trump, who warned Israel against dropping bombs and urged an immediate withdrawal of pilots from active combat zones.
Conflicting Accounts from Iran
Iran denied any missile launches following the ceasefire announcement, instead asserting that it had compelled Israel to halt its aggression unilaterally. While refraining from formally accepting the ceasefire conditions, Tehran's statement suggested a strategic restraint intended to avoid further escalation.
Looking Ahead: Fragile Peace in a Volatile Region
The ceasefire stands as a tentative agreement amid a fraught and complex geopolitical landscape. Both sides remain cautious, with Israeli forces reportedly intercepting two Iranian missiles after the ceasefire took effect. The international community watches closely as diplomacy and military readiness continue to influence the fragile peace.
Key Takeaways:
- Ceasefire declared after 12 days of conflict.
- Trump emphasized withdrawing Israeli pilots to prevent further escalation.
- Israel alleges Iran violated the ceasefire, threatening renewed strikes.
- Iran denies post-ceasefire missile launches, claiming to have forced Israel to stop aggression.
