Amid fragile hopes for peace, the U.S. President Donald Trump on Tuesday accused both Israel and Iran of breaching a ceasefire agreement just hours after it was declared, fueling renewed uncertainty in an already volatile conflict.
Speaking to reporters ahead of his departure for a NATO summit in the Netherlands, Trump lashed out at the two nations, claiming both had launched fresh attacks despite agreeing to halt hostilities.
In an emotional address, laced with expletives, he pledged to “try to stop” the renewed violence. On his Truth Social platform, Trump issued a stern warning to Israel, urging the country not to “drop those bombs” and to “bring your pilots home now,” describing any further military action as a “major violation.”
Confusion surrounded the status of the truce, with conflicting narratives from both sides. The Israeli military accused Tehran of launching missile strikes following the ceasefire’s implementation on Tuesday morning and vowed retaliation. However, Iranian state media reported that the country’s military denied any such attack.
The ceasefire, announced by Trump late Monday, was intended to halt 12 days of escalating warfare between Israel and Iran—a conflict that had drawn in the United States.
In one of the most dangerous moments, Trump had ordered U.S. airstrikes on Iranian nuclear sites, prompting Iran to fire missiles at a U.S. military base in Qatar.
Despite the truce being officially declared in the early hours of Tuesday, hostilities persisted on the ground. Moments before the ceasefire took effect, Israel targeted missile launchers in western Iran, claiming they were being readied for launch.
In response, Iran fired at least four barrages of ballistic missiles at Israeli territory, triggering air raid sirens and forcing millions into bomb shelters. One missile struck an apartment building in Beersheba, killing at least four civilians.
By 7:30 a.m. local time, Israeli authorities issued an all-clear notice, signaling a brief pause in the violence. Trump quickly took to social media to announce the ceasefire had taken hold, urging all parties not to violate the fragile agreement.
The Israeli government initially remained silent but later confirmed its participation in the ceasefire, claiming it had achieved its military objectives “in full coordination with President Trump.” Iran, too, framed the truce as a strategic win.
However, any sense of stability quickly unraveled. By mid-morning, new missile sirens blared across northern Israel.
The Israeli military once again accused Iran of breaching the agreement and vowed a forceful response, highlighting just how precarious the situation remains despite diplomatic efforts to de-escalate.
The coming hours and days are expected to test the durability of the ceasefire, as global leaders watch closely for signs of renewed confrontation or a return to diplomacy.
