Trump Blasts at Israel and Iran on Ceasefire Violations

What began as a high-profile diplomatic success is now unraveling, as US President Donald Trump openly criticized both Israel and Iran on Tuesday for violating the newly declared ceasefire. Speaking bluntly to the press, Trump said both countries have been fighting so long that “they don’t know what… they’re doing.”

The frustration comes after fresh violence erupted just hours into the ceasefire. Iran launched two missiles at northern Israel, prompting Defense Minister Israel Katz to authorize immediate retaliatory strikes on Tehran. In response, Trump expressed outrage over Israel’s rapid air assault, reportedly the most intense bombing campaign yet.

“I’m not happy with Israel,” Trump admitted. “You don’t go out in the first hour and drop everything you have on [them].” He added, “I gotta get Israel to calm down now,” before warning that the scale of the strikes exceeded anything previously witnessed.

While Trump insisted he was equally unhappy with Iran, his focus was on halting Israel’s response. He announced plans to travel to Israel to personally intervene and prevent the conflict from reigniting. “I’m gonna see if I can stop it,” he told reporters.

On social media, Trump doubled down, writing: “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 Ceasefire is in effect.”

Despite his demands, Prime Minister Netanyahu reportedly held firm during a phone call with Trump, insisting that a retaliatory strike was still “necessary.”

Ultimately, Israeli officials agreed to scale back their response to a single target in Tehran a compromise that maintains deterrence while keeping diplomatic lines open.

Trump’s remarks come at a critical juncture. With the ceasefire already showing signs of collapse, and international attention focused on Jerusalem and Tehran, Israel continues to act within its right to defend itself while weighing the diplomatic costs of continued escalation.

 

Trump executing Netanyahu orders

In a commentary on Sunday, the Al Jazeera staff analyzed the history of Trump’s relationship with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu in his first term as US president and up to the current days that the two have joined hands against Iran.

The following is an excerpt of the article:

President Trump announced his military has attacked three Iranian nuclear sites in the early hours on Sunday.

Trump also said Netanyahu and he had worked like “perhaps no team has ever worked before”. Those laudatory comments represent a stark contrast from the far more crude language that Trump used for the Israeli leader just four years ago, and their public tension over Iran less than a month ago.

In his televised address on Sunday, during the early morning hours in the Middle East, Trump thanked and congratulated Netanyahu. “I want to thank and congratulate Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu,” he said, referring to a name the Israeli PM is widely known by.

“We worked as a team like perhaps no team has ever worked before, and we’ve gone a long way to erasing this horrible threat to Israel,” Trump claimed, referring to Iran’s nuclear facilities.

However, Israel remains the only country in the Middle East with a nuclear arsenal, though it has never officially acknowledged it.

The US strikes follow ten days of Israeli missile attacks against Iran, including on its nuclear facilities. Israel did not have the bombs needed to damage or destroy Iran’s most fortified nuclear site in Fordow, buried deep inside a mountain.  The US using its bunker-buster bombs, hit Fordow as well as the facilities in Natanz and Isfahan on Sunday.

Trump’s decision to align himself with Netanyahu in bringing the US into the war with Iran has split his “Make America Great Again” (MAGA) support base.

The chief of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has publicly said it does not believe that Iran was building a nuclear weapon, an assessment shared by US intelligence agencies, which also drew the same conclusion earlier this year.

However, Trump has in recent days said his hand-picked spy chief, Tulsi Gabbard, and the intelligence community’s assessment were “wrong”.

Trump did best service to Netanyahu in first term

Trump recognized Jerusalem (al-Quds) as Israel’s capital and moved the US embassy there from Tel Aviv, a long-sought symbolic victory for Netanyahu. Trump appointed an ambassador who was ideologically aligned with Israel’s settler movement, David Friedman, in May 2017.

In March 2019, the US president also recognized Israeli sovereignty over the occupied Golan Heights, becoming the only world leader to back Israel’s annexation of the region that is recognized internationally as a part of Syria.

In September 2020, Trump hosted the signing of the Abraham Accords, which led to normalization of relations between Israel and four Arab states – Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, Morocco, and Sudan.

Trump formally withdrew the US from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) — commonly known as the Iran nuclear deal — in May 2018, through a presidential proclamation that reinstated US sanctions against Iran.

This marked a major shift from the previous US policy of implementing the JCPOA in January 2016 to limit Iran’s nuclear program in exchange for sanctions relief. Trump declared the deal “defective at its core”.

However, in a December 2021 Axios interview with Israeli journalist Barak Ravid, Trump revealed that his relationship with Netanyahu deteriorated after the Israeli PM publicly congratulated incoming President Joe Biden on his 2020 election victory — a loss that Trump has refused to accept.

“The first person that congratulated [Biden] was Bibi Netanyahu, the man that I did more for than any other person I dealt with. Bibi could have stayed quiet. He has made a terrible mistake,” Trump said, referring to Netanyahu by his nickname. “And not only did he congratulate him, he did it on tape.” “F*** him,” Trump said, expressing his anger.

Trump rallies behind Netanyahu’s genocidal campaign against Palestinians. While the incoming Trump administration initially claimed to broker a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, with some observers noting that he may rein in the Israeli military campaign, it soon rallied behind Netanyahu’s continuing genocidal campaign against the Palestinian people.

In a joint news conference in February this year, Trump wildly proposed that the US should “take over” the Gaza Strip, redevelop it, and relocate Palestinians, a plan that Netanyahu publicly endorsed as “nothing wrong”.

Netanyahu also said he was “committed to US President Trump’s plan for the creation of a different Gaza”. The US approved US$2.5 billion worth of arms sales to Israel, including bombs and drones.

In March, Israel resumed major air attacks in Gaza after negotiations over the release of captives collapsed. The White House confirmed that Israel had consulted Trump before the attacks.

Trump’s position has seesawed from alignment with Netanyahu to his own distinct positions. During April 12 to June 13, 2025 the US led back-channel nuclear negotiations with Iran, mediated by Oman.

In May, during his Persian Gulf tour Trump stated that the US was in “very serious negotiations” with Iran and “getting very close” to a nuclear deal, signaling openness to diplomacy.

On May 28, Trump said he told Netanyahu to hold off on any strike against Iran to give his administration more time to push for a new nuclear deal. He told reporters at the White House that he relayed to Netanyahu a strike “would be inappropriate to do right now because we’re very close to a solution”.

In June, the IAEA claimed Iran had not been transparent enough in its nuclear program, and that elements of its approach were in violation of the country’s safeguards agreement with the International Atomic Energy Agency. The US began evacuating its regional embassies. Tensions surged as Trump stated that diplomacy was stalling and hinted at serious consequences, if no deal was reached.

On June 13, Israel launched massive air strikes on Iranian nuclear and military sites, killing nuclear scientists, scholars, and top military commanders.

In the initial US reaction to Israeli attacks on Iran, Marco Rubio, the secretary of state, called the strikes “unilateral” and claimed Washington was “not involved in strikes against Iran and our top priority is protecting American forces in the region”.

The US-Iran talks over a nuclear deal were suspended. Trump admitted that he was aware of Israel’s plans to attack Iran.

On June 19, Trump, after nearly a week of Israel’s war against Iran, signaled support for Israel’s military campaign.

On June 21, Trump ordered US air strikes on Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan nuclear facilities, coordinating with Israel.

Trump announces ceasefire between Israel and Iran

According to Reuters, US President Donald Trump announced on Monday that Israel and Iran have agreed to a complete and total ceasefire, bringing an end to what he called “The 12 Day War.” The truce will last for 12 hours, after which the conflict will be officially declared over.

In a statement posted on his social media platform, Trump said the ceasefire would begin in approximately six hours, following the completion of final military operations by both sides.

“Iran will start the ceasefire, and upon the 12th hour, Israel will follow suit,” Trump said, adding that an “official end” to the hostilities will be marked at the 24th hour.

He praised both nations for showing “stamina, courage, and intelligence” in choosing to end the conflict.

The announcement follows days of escalating military exchanges between Israel and Iran that raised fears of a broader regional war. Trump hailed the ceasefire as a moment the world would salute, urging all parties to remain “peaceful and respectful.”

“This is a war that could have gone on for years, and destroyed the entire Middle East, but it didn’t—and never will,” Trump stated.

Saudi Arabia and other Gulf states strongly condemn Iranian attack on Qatar

Saudi Arabia and other Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states strongly condemned the aggression launched by Iran against the State of Qatar, reports Saudi Gazette.

"Saudi Arabia views this act as a flagrant violation of international law and the principles of good neighborliness," the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement, while asserting that it is unacceptable and cannot be justified under any circumstances.

Saudi Arabia affirmed its solidarity and full support for Qatar, stating that it is deploying all its capabilities to support Qatar in all measures it deems necessary, according to the statement carried by the Saudi Press Agency.

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) strongly condemned the Iranian Revolutionary Guard’s targeting of Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, describing the act as a blatant violation of Qatar’s sovereignty and airspace, as well as a clear breach of international law and the United Nations Charter.

The UAE reaffirmed its unequivocal rejection of any aggression that endangers Qatar’s security and undermines regional stability, according to a statement issued by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The ministry expressed the UAE’s full solidarity with Qatar and its unwavering support for all measures aimed at safeguarding the safety and security of its citizens and residents. The ministry also emphasized the urgent need to de-escalate militarily, warning that continued provocative actions risk destabilizing regional security and could lead the region down a dangerous path with potentially catastrophic consequences for international peace and stability.

Oman’s Foreign Ministry has condemned the ongoing regional escalation in the region, which was caused by Israel with the attack on Iran on June 13 and the continuous exchange of missile attacks since then, including the recent Iranian missile attack on sovereign sites in Qatar.

The Sultanate of Oman has condemned the act that violates the sovereignty of a member state of the Gulf Cooperation Council, contradicts the policy of good neighborliness, and threatens to expand the scope of the conflict, which has no benefit except more damage and destruction and undermines the foundations of security, stability, and the safety of the peoples of the region.

The foreign ministry spokesman expressed Oman's solidarity with the State of Qatar and the measures it is taking to preserve its security and stability. The spokesman also called for an immediate cessation of all military and missile operations, the adoption of wisdom in resorting to peaceful negotiations, and adherence to international law in addressing the causes of the conflict and achieving a just settlement through legitimate means.

Bahrain strongly condemned the attack carried out by the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps targeting the sovereignty of the State of Qatar and considered it a blatant violation of Qatar’s sovereignty and airspace, as well as a breach of international law and the Charter of the United Nations.

In an official statement, Bahrain affirmed its full support and solidarity with Qatar following the Iranian attack on Qatari territory. Bahrain expressed its unwavering support of Qatar, emphasizing that this solidarity stems from the deep-rooted bonds among the GCC states. The Kingdom underscored the importance of collective unity during this critical period, calling for concerted efforts to exercise restraint, avoid escalation, and resolve disputes through peaceful means.

Kuwait strongly condemned Iran’s missile attack on Al-Udeid Air Base in Qatar, the foreign ministry said in a statement on Monday, calling the strike a “flagrant violation of Qatar’s sovereignty and airspace.” The attack represents a violation of international law and UN Charter, and poses a major threat to regional peace, security and stability, the ministry said.

Kuwait stands fully with Qatar and fully supports all measures it may take in order to protect its sovereignty, security and stability, including its right to retaliate in the way it deems fit, the ministry said, reiterating Kuwait’s readiness to provide all capabilities in helping Qatar.

GCC Secretary General Jassim Albudaiwi condemned in the strongest terms the missile attack launched by Iran against Qatar. "This attack constitutes a flagrant violation of the sovereignty of Qatar and a direct threat to the security of all GCC states," he said while reiterating that the security of the GCC states is indivisible, and that the council stands united with the State of Qatar in confronting any threat to its security and territorial integrity.

"While the State of Qatar and the GCC states strongly condemn the Israeli attacks on Iranian territory and are making every effort to achieve a ceasefire and mediation, they are surprised by this Iranian missile attack, which constitutes a violation of all international and UN norms, treaties, and laws," Albudaiwi said while calling on the international community and the UN Security Council to shoulder their responsibilities in condemning this aggressive act.

He also urged to take effective steps to deter Iran's irresponsible actions, as well as to work to restore stability and prevent further escalation in the region, and adopt dialogue and diplomacy to preserve the security of the region and the peace of its people.

Iran attacks US Air Force base in Qatar

Various news outlets have reported Iran has launched an attack on the Al Udeid US Air Force base in Qatar. Iranian state TV reported on Monday that Iran has begun operations against the US base outside Doha. The Hill reported Iran launched 10 missiles at the base.

The Trump administration is monitoring the situation, a senior White House official told The Hill, as President Trump is set to meet with his national security team following the US attack in Iran.

“The White House and the Department of Defense are aware of, and closely monitoring, potential threats to Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar,” the official said.

According to Reuters, explosions were heard over Qatar's capital Doha on Monday, shortly after a Western diplomat said there had been a credible Iranian threat against the US-run al Udeid air base.

Soon after Qatar announced it had closed its air space temporarily to ensure the safety of residents and visitors.

Earlier, the US. embassy in Qatar had advised Americans to shelter in place, out of what it said was "an abundance of caution".

Iran had issued threats to retaliate against the United States after US bombers dropped 30,000-pound bunker-busters on the country's underground nuclear installations over the weekend.

Earlier on Monday, Israel struck a jail for political prisoners in Tehran in a potent demonstration that it was expanding its targets beyond military and nuclear sites to aim squarely at the pillars of Iran's ruling system.

Two US officials said Washington assessed that Iran could carry out attacks targeting American forces in the Middle East soon.

Despite Iran's threats to challenge oil shipments from the Gulf, oil prices largely held steady, suggesting traders doubted the Islamic Republic would follow through on any action that would disrupt global supplies.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi met Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow as Tehran sought backing from one of its last major power friends for its next steps.

 

 

"We cannot let history repeat itself", Sanders

Senator Bernie Sanders on Sunday drew similarities between the US air strikes on Iran this weekend and the invasion of Iraq in 2003. He said, “We cannot let history repeat itself” reports CNN.

Sanders, an independent who caucuses with Democrats, told the Texas crowd, “Brothers and sisters, we cannot let history repeat itself. The United States faces enormous problems here at home. We should be spending our money and our manpower rebuilding America, not going into a war against Iran.”

The progressive Vermont senator, speaking at a town hall in Fort Worth as part of his “Fighting Oligarchy” tour, highlighted how Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Donald Trump used similar language around the strikes on Iran to what Netanyahu and then-President George Bush said surrounding the US invasion of Iraq in 2003.

Sanders quoted a Netanyahu congressional testimony from 2002, in which the Israeli leader said, “There is no question that Saddam Hussein is seeking nuclear weapons.”

Sanders then emphasized how “George Bush said, ‘Saddam’s regime is seeking a nuclear bomb,’ and he argued for a preemptive attack,” referencing an analogy by the then-president that the United States could not afford to wait for “the smoking gun which could come in the form of a mushroom cloud.”

“No weapons of mass destruction were ever found,” Sanders continued. “That war was based on a lie. A lie that cost US 4,500 young Americans, 32,000 wounded and trillions of dollars.”

Bush in 2003 announced the invasion of Iraq under the pretext of disarming it from weapons of mass destruction, a claim that was later debunked.

Netanyahu and Trump have both cited the threat posed by Iran’s nuclear program, with the US president saying Saturday from the White House, “Our objective was the destruction of Iran’s nuclear enrichment capacity and a stop to the nuclear threat posed by the world’s No. 1 state sponsor of terror.”

US attack on Iran condemned around the world

A growing wave of international condemnation has followed the recent US airstrikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities. The countries across West Asia and beyond denounce the move as a dangerous violation of international law that threatens regional and global security.

The strikes, which targeted nuclear sites in Natanz and Fordow in the early hours of Sunday, were publicly confirmed by US President Donald Trump via social media.

The unprovoked attack has triggered strong reactions from both regional governments and major global powers.

In Baghdad, a spokesperson for the Iraqi government called the strikes a “serious threat to peace and stability in the region,” warning that any attack on Iran’s peaceful nuclear facilities risks triggering wider conflict in West Asia.

Pakistan issued an even stronger rebuke. The country’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the assault as a breach of international norms, affirming that Iran has the legitimate right to self-defense under Article 51 of the United Nations Charter. Senator Mushahid Hussain, Chairman of Pakistan’s Senate Defense Committee, labeled the strike a “war crime” and a case of “deliberate aggression,” criticizing the dominance of Israeli lobbying interests in US foreign policy and accusing President Trump of breaking his promises not to launch new military conflicts.

Foreign Ministry of Saudi Arabia condemned the US action, calling it a clear violation of Iran’s sovereignty. Riyadh urged the international community to intensify efforts toward a peaceful resolution and warned against further escalation.

Egypt joined the growing chorus of voices, with the Foreign Ministry in Cairo describing the strike as a provocative act that could severely undermine international and regional peace. Oman also voiced its alarm, stating that the US military operation was a breach of international law and a reckless act that could ignite a broader war.

President Joseph Aoun of Lebanan echoed the concerns, warning that the targeting of Iranian nuclear infrastructure could destabilize not only the region but also global security. “The threat of escalation is real, and the world must act to prevent further deterioration,” he said.

Qatar condemned the strikes as well, calling for an immediate cessation of Israeli-American military actions against Iran and advocating for a swift return to diplomatic engagement.

In a significant development, Foreign Ministry of Russia also issued a statement “strongly condemning” the US airstrikes, calling them “a gross violation of international law, the UN Charter, and UN Security Council resolutions.” Moscow warned that such actions could trigger dangerous consequences and undermine international mechanisms for conflict resolution.

Inside Iran, the reaction has been swift and resolute. The Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) condemned the strikes on its facilities in Fordow and Natanz as “brutal and illegal,” emphasizing that the sites operate under full supervision of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) as part of Iran’s commitments under the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). “These are peaceful, safeguarded nuclear facilities, and this assault constitutes a direct attack on international law,” the AEOI said.

“The attack was carried out with the indifference—or possibly the complicity—of the IAEA.” Calling on the international community to reject what it termed “jungle law,” the organization said it would pursue all necessary legal and diplomatic channels to defend Iran’s rights. “Despite these sinister efforts, the AEOI assures the great Iranian nation that the country’s nuclear progress will not be halted.” Diplomatic observers have warned that failure to respond decisively to the strike risks undermining the credibility of international law and institutions.