In a dramatic move, former U.S. President Donald Trump announced a ceasefire between Iran and Israel after intense fighting and rising fears of regional escalation. His declaration came just hours after both countries engaged in fresh missile exchanges, raising doubts about how firm the truce really is.
Ceasefire Announcement Sparks Mixed Reactions
Trump took to social media on Sunday, declaring:
“ISRAEL is not going to attack Iran. The Ceasefire is in effect!”
His statement came despite Israeli airstrikes on suspected Iranian sites in Syria and Iran’s retaliatory missile launches. According to CBS News, Israeli officials accused Iran of violating the ceasefire and vowed to respond if the attacks persisted. Iran, in return, warned that any Israeli aggression would be met with a strong counterstrike.
Trump Lashes Out at Both Sides
During a campaign stop, Trump made an unscripted statement to the press, criticizing both Israel and Iran.
“They don’t know what the hell they’re doing,” he said bluntly.
AP News reported that Trump also aimed direct criticism at Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu, suggesting that Israel was not fully committed to the peace efforts. Trump’s frustration appeared to grow as reports of continued military actions undermined his ceasefire declaration.
Is the Ceasefire Holding or Falling Apart?
According to Al Jazeera, the ceasefire is best described as a “quiet-for-quiet” agreement—a temporary mutual pause in direct conflict rather than a formal deal. Although large-scale attacks have slowed, both sides remain on high alert. There has been no official confirmation from either Iran or Israel of a signed ceasefire deal, raising questions about how long the truce can last.
Concerns Over Iran’s Nuclear Program
Adding to the complexity, Reuters reported that recent U.S. airstrikes aimed at crippling Iran’s nuclear infrastructure were only partially successful. Intelligence suggests that Iran’s facilities may be operational again in a matter of months. Trump claimed credit for halting Iran’s nuclear activities through a mix of “pressure and peace,” but experts argue the situation remains volatile and unresolved.
Conclusion: A Fragile Moment of Calm
While Trump’s ceasefire announcement has momentarily reduced tensions, the Middle East remains on the brink. Humanitarian groups warn of potential civilian casualties if hostilities resume. Behind the scenes, the Biden administration is reportedly urging restraint through quiet diplomacy.
Whether this ceasefire leads to lasting peace or proves to be just a pause in ongoing conflict is still uncertain. For now, the world watches closely as two regional powers and a former U.S. president shape the next phase of a long-running and dangerous rivalry.
