Emily Herr

By Emily Herr

The Scoop: Digital Newspaper: June 2025

A ceasefire between Iran and Israel, announced by President Donald Trump, appears to be largely holding after a tense and volatile period of conflict. However, the path to de-escalation was far from smooth, marked by immediate violations and a visibly angered Trump, who expressed deep frustration with both sides, particularly Iran, for continued attacks leading up to the official truce.

The ceasefire announcement by Trump followed a period of escalating hostilities, including U.S. involvement with strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities and retaliatory missile attacks from Tehran. The deal, presented as a “Complete and Total CEASEFIRE,” was intended to halt a 12-day conflict that had significantly raised fears of a wider regional conflagration.

According to the terms outlined by the Trump administration, the ceasefire was to unfold in stages, with Iran ceasing strikes against Israel first, followed by Israel halting its attacks. However, the agreement got off to a rocky start. Within hours of the proposed ceasefire taking effect, Israel accused Iran of breaching the agreement by launching missiles, which were reportedly intercepted. In response, Israel initially vowed to “respond forcefully,” carrying out a limited strike on an Iranian radar system.

This immediate defiance from Iran, coupled with Israel’s retaliatory action, drew the public ire of Donald Trump. Speaking to reporters and through his social media platform, Truth Social, Trump’s frustration was palpable. He accused both Iran and Israel of violating the nascent agreement, and while he acknowledged violations from both, his criticism of Iran’s continued attacks was particularly sharp. He reportedly told reporters, “I’m not happy with Iran either.”

Trump’s anger was evident in his public warnings, especially directed at Israel, to “DO NOT DROP THOSE BOMBS. IF YOU DO IT IS A MAJOR VIOLATION. BRING YOUR PILOTS HOME, NOW!” This unusual public rebuke of a close ally underscored the fragility of the situation and Trump’s determination to see the ceasefire hold. Sources close to the White House indicated that Trump was “exceptionally firm and direct” in his conversations with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, emphasizing the need to sustain the ceasefire.

Despite the initial rocky start and Trump’s exasperation with the continued skirmishes, the ceasefire ultimately took hold. While questions remain about the full extent of the damage inflicted on Iran’s nuclear program and the long-term stability of the truce, the immediate de-escalation has been widely acknowledged. Trump, for his part, has touted the ceasefire as a significant achievement, presenting it as a testament to his “peace through strength” approach to foreign policy, even as the early hours of the agreement tested his patience to its limits.

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