As tensions ease in the Middle East, President Trump's unexpected truce announcement brings both criticism and strategic recalibration for the parties involved.
Cease-Fire Reached: Israel and Iran React Amid U.S. Pressure
Cease-Fire Reached: Israel and Iran React Amid U.S. Pressure
A temporary cease-fire between Israel and Iran holds after diplomatic intervention from Qatar and President Trump, shifting focus back to Gaza.
June 24, 2025, 6:00 p.m. ET
A fragile truce between Israel and Iran was established on Tuesday as hostilities resumed despite a delay in diplomatic negotiations that raised alarm. The cease-fire came at a pivotal moment after U.S. President Trump rebuked both nations post-conflict, marking a significant shift in the recent 12-day war.
The terms of the cease-fire remain unspecified, but it was said to have been brokered with the assistance of Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, who managed to persuade Iranian officials to halt their aggression, according to diplomatic sources seeking anonymity.
Trump's announcement of the cease-fire on Monday took many by surprise, even within his inner circle. This development followed Iran's missile attacks on a U.S. base situated in Qatar, retaliation for military actions targeting Iranian nuclear facilities over the previous weekend. Fortunately, most missiles were intercepted, and no casualties were reported.
As the cease-fire came into effect on Tuesday morning, Trump leveled harsh criticism on both Israel and Iran for potential violations of the agreement. Preparing to attend a NATO summit in The Hague, he condemned the ongoing violence, stating Israel and Iran had "been fighting so long and so hard that they didn't know what they were doing."
The president specifically rebuked Israel for striking targets soon after the cease-fire declaration, declaring dissatisfaction while expressing concerns that retaliatory actions could lead to further escalation. He indicated that he would be “really unhappy” should Israel pursue additional military action against Iran following minor provocations.
A fragile truce between Israel and Iran was established on Tuesday as hostilities resumed despite a delay in diplomatic negotiations that raised alarm. The cease-fire came at a pivotal moment after U.S. President Trump rebuked both nations post-conflict, marking a significant shift in the recent 12-day war.
The terms of the cease-fire remain unspecified, but it was said to have been brokered with the assistance of Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, who managed to persuade Iranian officials to halt their aggression, according to diplomatic sources seeking anonymity.
Trump's announcement of the cease-fire on Monday took many by surprise, even within his inner circle. This development followed Iran's missile attacks on a U.S. base situated in Qatar, retaliation for military actions targeting Iranian nuclear facilities over the previous weekend. Fortunately, most missiles were intercepted, and no casualties were reported.
As the cease-fire came into effect on Tuesday morning, Trump leveled harsh criticism on both Israel and Iran for potential violations of the agreement. Preparing to attend a NATO summit in The Hague, he condemned the ongoing violence, stating Israel and Iran had "been fighting so long and so hard that they didn't know what they were doing."
The president specifically rebuked Israel for striking targets soon after the cease-fire declaration, declaring dissatisfaction while expressing concerns that retaliatory actions could lead to further escalation. He indicated that he would be “really unhappy” should Israel pursue additional military action against Iran following minor provocations.
