U.S. President Slams Both Nations for Undermining Truce Amid NATO Summit Preparations

On June 24, 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump issued a stern warning to Israel and Iran, accusing both nations of violating a ceasefire agreement announced late Monday. Speaking to reporters in Washington before departing for a NATO summit in The Hague, Trump expressed frustration over actions that threaten the fragile truce.

"These guys gotta calm down. It’s ridiculous," Trump said, criticizing Israel for launching a massive bombing campaign shortly after the ceasefire was agreed and Iran for its "very strong" retaliation. The violations have raised concerns about the stability of the 12-day war’s resolution.

Details of the Ceasefire Violations

The ceasefire, intended to halt hostilities between Israel and Iran, was undermined by swift military actions from both sides:

• Israel’s Actions: Trump noted that Israel "dropped a load of bombs the likes of which I’ve never seen" within hours of the truce, calling it a major violation. He specifically warned Israel via Truth Social, stating, "Israel Do not drop those bombs. If you do it is a major violation. Bring your pilots home, now!"
• Iran’s Response: Iran fired six missiles at U.S. military bases in Iraq and Qatar on Monday night, in an operation dubbed "Annunciation of Victory." U.S. Patriot missile defense systems intercepted the missiles targeting Al-Udeid base in Qatar, preventing significant damage, according to Reuters.
• Trump’s Reaction: The U.S. president condemned both nations, stating, "We basically have two countries that have been fighting so long and so hard that they don’t know what the f*** they’re doing."

Israel’s Operation Rising Lion

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on June 24 that the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) had achieved all objectives of "Operation Rising Lion," prompting Israel’s acceptance of the ceasefire. According to a statement from Netanyahu’s office:

• Israel neutralized Iran’s nuclear and ballistic missile threats.
• The IDF gained air superiority over Tehran, striking key military leadership and regime targets.
• Recent strikes eliminated hundreds of Basij militants and a senior Iranian nuclear scientist.

Netanyahu thanked Trump and the U.S. for their defensive support and role in addressing Iran’s nuclear program.

Iran’s Justification for Strikes

Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei defended the missile strikes on U.S. bases, claiming they were a response to "criminal aggressions" by the U.S. and Israel. Posting on X, Baghaei stated:

• The strikes on Al-Udeid were an exercise of self-defense under Article 51 of the UN Charter, following U.S. aggression on June 22, 2025.
• The action was not aimed at Qatar, with which Iran maintains "excellent and deeply rooted" relations.

Iranian state media reported the ceasefire began at 7:30 a.m. local time, but Israel detected additional missile launches from Iran more than two hours later, according to the Associated Press.

Background: The 12-Day War

The conflict, dubbed the "12-day war," began on June 13, 2025, when Israel launched a major offensive against Iran’s nuclear facilities, alleging Tehran was close to developing a nuclear weapon. Iran denied these claims, with Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei asserting Iran could pursue nuclear weapons if desired. The U.S. joined Israel with airstrikes over the weekend, escalating tensions.

Iran’s retaliatory missile strikes on U.S. bases in Qatar and Iraq, combined with Israel’s continued bombings, led to significant casualties. Israel’s Magen David Adom reported at least three deaths and eight injuries from Iran’s latest missile barrage on Tuesday morning.

Why This Story Matters

The ceasefire violations and ongoing tensions have significant implications:

• Middle East Stability: Continued violations could reignite the conflict, drawing in regional powers and destabilizing the region.
• U.S. Foreign Policy: Trump’s mediation efforts, juxtaposed with his criticism of both nations, highlight the challenges of U.S. diplomacy in the Middle East. His NATO summit attendance underscores the global stakes.
• Global Markets: The conflict has already impacted oil prices and financial markets, with a sustained ceasefire critical for economic stability.
• Nuclear Concerns: Israel’s strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities and Iran’s defiance raise fears of a nuclear arms race in the region.

The international community, including NATO allies, is watching closely as Trump seeks to enforce the truce while addressing broader geopolitical concerns.

What’s Next?

As Trump attends the NATO summit, diplomatic efforts will focus on ensuring compliance with the ceasefire. Both Israel and Iran face pressure to halt military actions, with Qatar and other regional actors likely to mediate. The durability of the truce remains uncertain, given the reported violations and deep-seated animosities.

Analysts suggest that sustained dialogue, potentially involving the UN or neutral parties, is needed to address underlying issues, including Iran’s nuclear ambitions and Israel’s security concerns. For now, the world awaits whether the ceasefire can hold amidst mutual distrust.