Trump Declares Iran-Israel Ceasefire Holding Despite Breaches, Calls for Restraint
Former U.S. President Donald Trump has claimed that a fragile ceasefire between Iran and Israel is currently holding, even after both sides reportedly violated the terms of the agreement within hours of its implementation. The truce, brokered by Trump after nearly two weeks of escalating conflict, was aimed at ending what he has dubbed the “12 Day War” — a highly volatile episode that raised fears of regional spillover and global destabilization.
In a press briefing ahead of his departure for a NATO summit in The Hague, Trump told reporters, “They [Iran and Israel] have been fighting so long and so hard, they don’t know what the f— they’re doing.” The former president, known for his blunt rhetoric, said he had scolded leaders on both sides and ordered Israeli fighter jets to stand down following reports of renewed hostilities. He added, “All planes will turn around… the Ceasefire is in effect!”
Early Violations Undermine Truce
Despite the ceasefire announcement, tensions flared almost immediately. Israel accused Iran of launching missiles into northern Israeli territory, resulting in civilian injuries and property damage. Iran, however, denied the accusations and maintained that its military had ceased operations following the ceasefire declaration.
In retaliation, the Israeli Air Force reportedly struck an Iranian radar facility near Tehran. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed the strike but claimed the mission had been curtailed following a direct call from Trump.
While both nations remain publicly committed to the ceasefire, the ongoing skirmishes have raised doubts about its durability.
The Toll of the 12-Day Conflict
The conflict, which began on June 13, saw intense airstrikes, missile exchanges, and widespread civilian panic across the region. Israeli authorities reported at least 28 fatalities and over 1,000 injuries, while Iranian sources, corroborated by human rights observers, estimated more than 900 deaths and thousands more wounded.
U.S. involvement escalated when American forces launched precision strikes on Iranian nuclear and military facilities. According to reports, these operations resulted in the deaths of at least 14 Iranian nuclear scientists and damaged several key enrichment sites. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has since raised alarm about the disappearance of approximately 400 kilograms of enriched uranium—sparking renewed fears of nuclear proliferation.
Trump’s Diplomatic Gamble
The ceasefire effort is being seen by some analysts as a major diplomatic gamble by Trump, who remains a leading candidate in the upcoming U.S. presidential election. By inserting himself into the heart of Middle East diplomacy, Trump appears to be positioning his role as peacemaker as a cornerstone of his foreign policy credentials.
However, critics argue that his approach—marked by impulsive language and lack of institutional coordination—risks undermining long-term stability in the region. Still, his swift intervention to de-escalate Israeli military action has drawn praise from some international observers.
Global Reactions
World leaders have responded with cautious optimism. Russia has offered to mediate further talks, while Egypt, Turkey, India, Saudi Arabia, and the United Kingdom have called for both Iran and Israel to uphold the ceasefire and resume diplomatic dialogue. The United Nations has urged both parties to cooperate with international investigators regarding potential violations of international law during the conflict.
Despite the momentary calm, the situation remains fragile. Drone attacks on U.S. military installations in Iraq and Qatar have continued, and Israeli intelligence sources suggest Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) remains on high alert.
As of now, the ceasefire holds—but barely. The coming days will test whether the agreement can evolve into a sustained peace or whether it will be remembered as yet another temporary pause in a region long plagued by cycles of violence. Trump’s intervention, while unconventional, has momentarily halted direct confrontation—but deeper issues, including Iran’s nuclear ambitions and Israel’s regional security concerns, remain unresolved.