Washington, D.C., June 24, 2025 — U.S. President Donald Trump expressed deep frustration Tuesday after both Israel and Iran appeared to disregard the ceasefire agreement he brokered just hours earlier to halt a 12-day war between the regional adversaries.Despite Trump’s announcement that a “Complete and Total CEASEFIRE” was in effect, Israel accused Iran of launching fresh missile strikes and vowed retaliation. In response, Trump demanded Israel recall its fighter jets, saying on Truth Social, “ISRAEL. DO NOT DROP THOSE BOMBS. IF YOU DO IT IS A MAJOR VIOLATION. BRING YOUR PILOTS HOME, NOW!”Shortly after, Trump posted that Israel would not carry out further strikes and that “all planes will turn around and head home… Ceasefire is in effect.”Fresh Missile Strikes Raise Doubts on TruceIsraeli officials claimed Iranian missiles struck the southern city of Beersheba, killing four and injuring 20 others. Additional missiles were reportedly launched toward northern Israel. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) said air defense systems intercepted incoming threats.In contrast, Iran’s state-run Press TV denied any missile launches following the ceasefire and accused Israel of fabricating claims to justify continued aggression.Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated there was “NO agreement” on a formal ceasefire but indicated Iran would halt attacks if Israel ceased its military operations by 4 a.m. Tehran time.Trump: “Neither Side Knows What They’re Doing”Speaking to reporters before leaving for a NATO summit in the Netherlands, Trump said both nations violated the ceasefire, albeit “not intentionally.” Expressing dissatisfaction, he remarked: “They’ve been fighting for so long, they don’t know what the f*** they’re doing.”Ceasefire Timeline and U.S. RoleThe ceasefire plan, brokered with help from Qatar, was set to unfold in stages: Iran would halt attacks at midnight ET, followed by Israel 12 hours later. A full cessation of hostilities was scheduled to take effect another 12 hours after that.Trump said both nations came to him “almost simultaneously” seeking peace. Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and envoy Steve Witkoff communicated with Iran via Qatari intermediaries. Iran’s compliance was reportedly secured following a conversation between Qatar’s Prime Minister and Tehran.Over 1,000 Dead Since Start of ConflictSince June 13, Israel has launched a series of devastating strikes on Iran targeting nuclear and military facilities, killing nearly 1,000 people, according to Human Rights Activists in Iran. This includes 387 civilians and 268 military personnel. Iran’s retaliatory missile strikes have claimed at least 28 Israeli lives.Over the weekend, the U.S. also conducted airstrikes on Iranian nuclear sites, prompting limited missile attacks from Iran on the Al Udeid U.S. airbase in Qatar. The Pentagon confirmed most missiles were intercepted, and no injuries were reported.Trump dismissed Iran’s response as “very weak,” thanking Iran for “early notice” that prevented casualties.Drones Strike U.S. Bases in IraqMeanwhile, drone attacks targeted U.S. bases in Iraq, including Camp Taji and Imam Ali Base. Radar installations were damaged, but no casualties were reported. U.S. forces also intercepted drones heading toward Ain al-Assad base and Baghdad Airport.Though no group claimed responsibility, Iran-backed militias in Iraq had previously threatened to target U.S. forces in response to American strikes on Iran.IAEA Urges Diplomatic ResolutionRafael Grossi, head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), welcomed the ceasefire attempt and urged renewed cooperation with Iran to resolve nuclear disputes. He proposed direct talks with Iranian officials to restore inspections and transparency.
