President Trump on Tuesday chastised both Israel and Iran, warning that he would “see if I can stop it,” after reports emerged suggesting that both nations may have violated an hours‑old truce he helped broker.
In a forceful address to reporters, punctuated by profanity, Trump castigated Israel for allegedly dropping bombs and demanded, “bring your pilots home now.” On Truth Social, he echoed his rebuke, cautioning against further strikes.
Uncertainty persisted over whether either side had breached the cease‑fire. The Israeli military accused Tehran of launching missiles after the halt took effect and warned of retaliation. Iran, through state media, denied the accusation.
The cease‑fire, if upheld, would bring an end to 12 days of intense hostilities between Iran and Israel, which escalated further when Trump ordered U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities and Tehran retaliated with missile attacks on a U.S. base in Qatar.
Trump delivered his volatile comments just before departing for a NATO summit in the Netherlands. His announcement of the cease‑fire Monday evening surprised some officials within his own administration.
Fires continue in final moments
In the tense minutes before the truce was to begin, both sides exchanged fire. The Israeli military reported hitting missile launchers in western Iran, while Iran launched at least four ballistic missile volleys at Israel, triggering widespread sirens and sending civilians fleeing to shelters. In Beersheba, four residents were killed when an apartment building was struck.
By around 7:30 a.m. in Israel, the military issued an all‑clear, shortly before Trump declared on social media: “THE CEASEFIRE IS NOW IN EFFECT. PLEASE DO NOT VIOLATE IT!”
The Israeli government confirmed the cease‑fire sometime after 9 a.m., stating in a concise release that mutual goals had been achieved “and in full coordination with President Trump.” Iran, too, described the truce as evidence of its military success.
Yet the calm proved short‑lived. Nearly two hours later, sirens sounded again in northern Israel amid allegations of new missile launches from Iran. The Israeli military accused Iran of violating the cease‑fire and vowed to respond with force.
