Washington: Just hours after former U.S. President Donald Trump triumphantly announced a ceasefire agreement between Iran and Israel, both nations engaged in renewed military action, casting serious doubt on the credibility and sustainability of the truce. The escalation has drawn harsh criticism from Trump, who slammed both parties for violating the ceasefire terms almost immediately after they were declared.
Trump, speaking to reporters and on social media, declared that "all planes will turn around" and insisted that "nobody will be hurt." However, those hopes were dashed when Iran launched missile strikes toward Beersheba in southern Israel just before the ceasefire was to take effect. The assault led to civilian casualties and widespread alarm, prompting a swift Israeli response. Israeli jets targeted Iranian radar installations near Tehran as a retaliatory measure.
The conflict did not pause there. Reports suggest that despite the formal ceasefire window opening, military operations resumed with more strikes, further inflaming tensions. This immediate breakdown led Trump to react with visible frustration, stating bluntly, “They violated it… I’m not happy with Israel.” He added that he was urging Israeli leadership to recall its pilots immediately and avoid further escalation, warning on his social media platform: “do not drop those bombs. If you do it, it is a major violation.”
Iran, meanwhile, has denied any ceasefire agreement was in place, accusing Israel of continuing its aggression and asserting that any cessation of hostilities depended on Israel halting its attacks. Iranian officials claimed that they did not initiate further strikes after the designated ceasefire began. On the other hand, the Israeli government confirmed that a radar site in Iran was targeted in retaliation for the missile strike on Beersheba, but claimed that offensive operations were paused following Trump’s direct intervention.
The situation reflects a broader crisis of trust and instability in the region. Civilian areas are increasingly bearing the brunt of the conflict, with the missile attacks and airstrikes causing not only physical destruction but also deep psychological trauma among populations already exhausted by years of regional volatility.
Trump’s role in this latest development illustrates the ongoing influence of the United States in Middle Eastern affairs, even as his formal presidency has concluded. His attempt to broker a ceasefire highlights Washington’s capacity to intervene diplomatically but also exposes how fragile such efforts can be without mutual commitment and verifiable de-escalation mechanisms.
Beyond the immediate violence, the re-escalation raises deeper questions about the prospects for peace. With U.S. military installations in Qatar reportedly on high alert and regional powers taking sides, the situation could quickly spiral into a wider conflict if not contained. The continued exchange of missiles and military threats underscores how volatile the balance remains, and how far both nations are from a sustainable path toward de-escalation.
In conclusion, the collapse of the ceasefire initiative within hours of its announcement is a stark reminder of the deep-rooted animosities and mistrust that plague the region. Despite diplomatic posturing, the reality on the ground remains tense, violent, and unpredictable leaving civilians caught in the crossfire and global leaders scrambling for solutions.