Trump Criticizes Israel and Iran Over Ceasefire Violations
Before departing for the NATO summit in The Hague, former US President Donald Trump openly expressed frustration towards Israel and Iran for undermining the ceasefire agreement intended to end their recent 12-day conflict. Speaking to reporters on the White House South Lawn, Trump slammed both nations, declaring they "don't know what the f*** they are doing," after they reportedly continued military actions despite the truce.
Ceasefire Intended to End Hostilities Quickly
Trump had initially announced the ceasefire with a post on his social media platform, urging both sides to adhere strictly to it. "The ceasefire is now in effect. Please do not violate it," he wrote. The deal came after a final wave of Iranian missile attacks on Israel, which resulted in multiple casualties, and Israeli airstrikes targeting various locations across Iran.
Violations Sparked Immediate Backlash
Despite the ceasefire agreement, sirens blared in northern Israel mere hours after the truce was declared, signaling ongoing attacks. Visibly angered, Trump condemned Israel for launching a significant bombing campaign just after the ceasefire was announced, describing it as "the biggest load that we have seen." He emphasized the prolonged nature of the conflict, suggesting both countries have been engaged in hostilities for so long they have lost strategic clarity.
Changing Tone: Hope for Peace Remains
Shortly after his sharp critique, Trump tempered his remarks with an optimistic view, reiterating that the ceasefire remained in effect. He posted that Israeli planes would turn back and conduct a "friendly 'Plane Wave' to Iran," reassuring that no further harm would come while the ceasefire holds. He also confidently stated that Iran would "never rebuild their nuclear facilities," signaling ongoing US resolve.
Military Responses and Diplomatic Moves
- Israel's Defense Minister ordered new strikes on Tehran targets citing Iranian missile attacks as blatant ceasefire violations.
- Iran denied responsibility, alleging Israeli attacks continued well beyond the ceasefire start time.
- Iran's Foreign Minister later confirmed their willingness to stop attacks conditional on Israeli cessation.
- Israel acknowledged attaining its operational objectives and committed to halt hostilities.
Context: Rising Tensions and Regional Impact
The announcement of the ceasefire followed an intense period of escalation, including Iranian missile launches targeting a US air base in Qatar and unprecedented Israeli bombings of nuclear sites in Iran. The volatile situation has kept the region on edge, with swift retaliation cycles between Israel and Iran since the initial surprise attacks.
Conclusion
Trump's forceful stance highlights ongoing challenges in stabilizing the Middle East amid complex geopolitical tensions. While his blunt comments underscored frustrations over ceasefire breaches, his subsequent messages maintained hope for de-escalation and peace, emphasizing the fragile nature of the current truce.
