News Desk

In a whirlwind of contradictory statements, US President Donald Trump declared on June 24 that a ceasefire between Iran and Israel was holding, just minutes after unleashing a profanity-laced tirade against both nations for allegedly violating the agreement.

Speaking to reporters at the White House before departing for a NATO summit in The Hague, the 79-year-old Republican leader expressed visible frustration over the situation. “The two countries have been fighting so long and so hard that they don’t know what the fuck they’re doing, do you understand that?” he told a stunned press pool on the South Lawn.

The ceasefire, which Trump claims to have brokered after a dramatic weekend of US airstrikes on Iranian nuclear sites, was supposed to begin in phases on June 24, Tuesday at 04.00 GMT. Iran was to halt all operations first, followed 12 hours later by Israel. However, Trump lashed out at both Tehran and Jerusalem for allegedly breaching the agreement shortly after its implementation began.

“Iran violated the ceasefire, but Israel violated it too,” Trump said, visibly agitated. “I’m not happy with them. I’m not happy with Iran either. But I’m really unhappy if Israel is going out this morning.”

The US president appeared particularly frustrated with Israel’s actions, claiming the country launched a massive air assault just after the truce had been announced. “As soon as we made the deal, they came out and dropped a load of bombs the likes of which I’ve never seen before,” he said. “I’ve got to get Israel to calm down.”

The unusually harsh criticism of a close US ally came after Trump posted a direct warning on his Truth Social platform: “ISRAEL. DO NOT DROP THOSE BOMBS. IF YOU DO IT IS A MAJOR VIOLATION. BRING YOUR PILOTS HOME, NOW!”

However, just minutes later, Trump pivoted to declare the ceasefire was working. “The Ceasefire is in effect!” he wrote on Truth Social. “ISRAEL is not going to attack Iran. All planes will turn around and head home, while doing a friendly ‘Plane Wave’ to Iran. Nobody will be hurt.”

The back-and-forth added confusion to an already volatile situation. The truce, if sustained, would mark a significant diplomatic win for Trump, particularly in the wake of his controversial decision to authorize American airstrikes on three Iranian nuclear facilities last weekend. The United States and Israel allege that the targeted sites-including the heavily fortified Fordow complex-were being used by Iran to secretly develop atomic weapons.

Trump insisted the bombing mission was a complete success. “I think it’s been completely demolished,” he said, dismissing media reports that the impact of the airstrikes remains uncertain. He again attacked US media outlets, accusing them of spreading “fake news” and calling two networks “scum” for questioning the extent of the damage inflicted on Iran’s nuclear program.

“IRAN WILL NEVER REBUILD THEIR NUCLEAR FACILITIES!” Trump proclaimed in a separate social media post.

As of Tuesday evening, there were no official confirmations from either Iran or Israel regarding their adherence to the phased ceasefire terms. Witnesses in Tehran reported hearing loud explosions early Tuesday morning, though details remain sparse. The Israeli government has neither confirmed nor denied launching further strikes after the ceasefire was supposed to have begun.

Trump’s personal involvement in micromanaging the military and diplomatic dimensions of the conflict, particularly via social media in real time, drew mixed reactions from allies and critics alike. While some praised the president for his hands-on approach and willingness to rein in even US allies, others warned that the chaotic messaging could further destabilize the region.

For now, the world watches with cautious hope as the fragile ceasefire appears to teeter between collapse and reluctant compliance.