WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump announced Tuesday that a ceasefire between Israel and Iran is now in effect, following days of escalating conflict in the Middle East. The declaration came after Trump publicly rebuked both nations for alleged ceasefire violations, urging de-escalation as he departed for a NATO summit in Europe.
Key Developments
- Trump’s Warning: The president said he was “not happy” with Israel’s retaliatory strikes and Iran’s missile launches, telling both sides to “calm down.”
- Ceasefire Status: Despite initial breaches, Trump insisted the truce holds, posting on Truth Social: “ISRAEL is not going to attack Iran… the Ceasefire is in effect!”
- U.S. Strikes on Iran: Questions remain over whether uranium stockpiles were destroyed in Saturday’s U.S. bombings of nuclear sites at Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan.
- NATO Praise: Secretary General Mark Rutte privately congratulated Trump for his handling of the crisis.
Trump’s Frustration with Israel and Iran
Speaking to reporters before leaving for The Hague, Trump expressed frustration over renewed hostilities just hours after the ceasefire was supposed to take effect.
- On Israel: “They felt it was violated by one rocket that didn’t land anywhere. That’s not what we want… Do not drop those bombs.”
- On Iran: Warned that regime change could lead to chaos but did not endorse it.
Despite his criticism, Trump later declared the ceasefire intact, ordering Israeli warplanes to “turn around and head home.”
Uncertainty Over Iran’s Nuclear Stockpiles
The U.S. claimed its strikes “obliterated” key Iranian nuclear facilities, but intelligence suggests uranium may have been moved beforehand.
- Satellite imagery showed trucks at Fordow days before the bombing.
- Iran’s Claim: State media said nuclear materials were “already taken out.”
- Expert Concerns: “Significant nuclear materials remain unaccounted for,” said Kelsey Davenport of the Arms Control Association.
The IAEA has yet to confirm radiation leaks but continues monitoring.
NATO Leaders Applaud Trump’s Moves
As Trump headed to the NATO summit, Secretary General Mark Rutte privately praised him for:
- “Decisive action in Iran… something no one else dared to do.”
- Pushing allies to spend 5% of GDP on defense—a long-standing Trump demand.
Rutte, a former Dutch PM with close ties to Trump, called the ceasefire a “big success.”
Israel and Iran Trade Blame for Ceasefire Breaches
Both nations accused each other of violating the truce:
Israel’s Claims:
- Struck “hundreds of Iranian forces” in Tehran just before the ceasefire.
- Said Iran launched three missiles post-truce, with one killing four Israelis in Be’er Sheva.
- Retaliated by destroying a radar installation near Tehran.
Iran’s Response:
- Denied targeting Israel, per state-linked Nour News.
- Its Supreme National Security Council declared Israel had “unilaterally accepted defeat.”
Despite the rhetoric, both sides have paused major attacks—for now.
Why Did the U.S. Strike Iran?
Trump authorized Operation Midnight Hammer after Israel’s June 13 strikes on Iranian nuclear sites. The U.S. bombed Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan, claiming total destruction.
- Israel assisted in planning the U.S. operation.
- IAEA reports no radiation spikes but is assessing damage.
What’s Next?
- NATO Summit Focus: Ukraine war and defense spending, but Iran-Israel tensions loom large.
- Fragile Truce: If violations continue, Trump may intervene again.
- Nuclear Uncertainty: The whereabouts of Iran’s uranium remain a critical concern.
