President Donald Trump delivered unusually blunt remarks on June 24 regarding the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran, expressing frustration with both nations following the collapse of a short-lived ceasefire agreement.
Speaking from the South Lawn of the White House before departing for a NATO summit in the Netherlands, Trump said, “We basically have two countries that have been fighting so long and so hard that they don’t know what the f— they’re doing.” He followed the statement by urging Israel to “calm down,” suggesting that continued aggression could jeopardize regional stability.
Ceasefire Breakdown
The remarks came amid escalating tensions following the so-called “12-Day War” between Israel and Iran, which began on June 13 when Israel launched airstrikes targeting Iran’s nuclear infrastructure. The United States joined the effort on June 21, bombing three key nuclear facilities as part of “Operation Midnight Hammer.”
On June 23, Trump announced on Truth Social that a ceasefire had been reached, stating, “It has been fully agreed by and between Israel and Iran that there will be a Complete and Total CEASEFIRE.”
However, within hours, both nations accused each other of violating the terms. Iran reportedly launched missiles in the early hours of June 24, prompting Israel to respond with additional airstrikes. President Trump criticized the Israeli response, claiming it was disproportionate.
“In all fairness, Israel unloaded a lot, and now I hear Israel just went out because they felt it was violated by one rocket that didn’t land anywhere,” Trump said. “That’s not what we want. I’m telling you, I’m not happy about that, Israel, either. Do not drop those bombs.”
Casualty Reports and Fallout
According to Iranian sources cited by Reuters, more than 400 people have been killed in Iran since Israel’s military operations began. Israel has reported at least 24 casualties from retaliatory Iranian strikes.
Tensions escalated further on June 23 when Iran launched 14 ballistic missiles at a U.S. military base in Qatar in retaliation for the American strikes. While no casualties were reported, the attack marked a direct escalation involving U.S. forces.
Despite Trump’s claim that the U.S. hopes to avoid further military engagement, the situation remains volatile. The President previously stated that the U.S. airstrikes were intended as a one-time operation, expressing hope that additional American military intervention would not be necessary.
What Is a Ceasefire?
A ceasefire is a temporary suspension of hostilities between conflicting parties, often seen as a step toward peace negotiations. The agreement announced on June 23 was intended to de-escalate the military standoff between Israel and Iran, both of which claimed victory following the latest round of violence. However, the fragility of the truce has once again highlighted the deep mistrust and long-standing enmity between the two nations.
Political Implications
Trump’s candid language and criticism of Israel – a key U.S. ally – mark a departure from the usual tone of American diplomatic statements in the Middle East. His remarks may signal frustration with the failure of both sides to maintain the ceasefire and a desire to avoid further American entanglement in the region.
As NATO leaders gather in Europe, the Biden administration and lawmakers are likely to face renewed pressure to clarify the U.S. position and role in the Israel-Iran conflict.
