WASHINGTON, D.C. — In a rare and explicit rebuke of Israel, U.S. President Donald Trump lashed out at Jerusalem on Tuesday, accusing it of violating a newly announced ceasefire with Iran. Speaking to reporters before boarding Marine One, Trump criticized both Iran and Israel for escalating tensions and failing to honor the U.S.-brokered truce.
“I’m not happy that Israel’s going out now,” Trump said. “These guys gotta calm down. Ridiculous.”
According to the Israel Defense Forces, Iran launched two missiles toward northern Israel three and a half hours after the ceasefire began. Trump downplayed the attack, calling it “a rocket that missed its target,” and criticized Israel for retaliating.
Trump: “You Don’t Drop Everything You Have After a Deal”
Trump expressed his frustration that Israel conducted heavy airstrikes immediately after the ceasefire was announced. Israel reportedly dropped over 100 munitions on Iranian targets before the truce officially took effect at 7 a.m.
“Israel, as soon as we made the deal, they came out and dropped a load of bombs the likes of which I’ve never seen before,” Trump said. “I’m not happy with Israel. I’m not happy with Iran either. But Israel didn’t have to unload like that.”
The Israeli military confirmed a limited strike on an Iranian radar facility near Tehran, in response to the morning missile launches.
Trump Orders Israeli Jets to Stand Down on Social Media
In an unprecedented move, Trump took to Truth Social, issuing direct commands to Israel in real-time:
“Israel. Do not drop those bombs. If you do it is a major violation. Bring your pilots home, now!”
He added that all aircraft should “do a friendly ‘Plane Wave’ to Iran” as they turn back, emphasizing that the ceasefire is in effect.
An Israeli official, speaking to the Kan public broadcaster, confirmed that Trump was sending warnings even after learning that Israel would strike.
Behind-the-Scenes Diplomacy: Netanyahu and Trump Phone Call
Sources from Axios reported that Trump had a stern call with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, where he demanded Israeli planes be called back.
“You gotta call back the planes. It’s enough. And they did, which I respect very greatly,” Trump said aboard Air Force One.
Netanyahu’s office put a diplomatic spin on the exchange, stating that Trump had expressed “immense appreciation” for Israel’s actions and praised the success of its military goals.
Chaos and Confusion: Trump Laments Both Sides
In his fiery remarks, Trump placed blame on both Iran and Israel:
“We basically have two countries that have been fighting so long and so hard that they don’t know what the f*ck they’re doing.”
He criticized Israel for responding to what he considered a minor violation and suggested that Iran’s missile may have been a mistake.
Shift on Regime Change in Iran
Just days after hinting at support for regime change in Iran via Truth Social, Trump walked back those remarks:
“Regime change would cause chaos,” he said aboard Air Force One.
Previously, Trump had written:
“If the current Iranian Regime is unable to MAKE IRAN GREAT AGAIN, why wouldn’t there be a Regime change???MIGA!!!”
The White House clarified that the U.S. does not support regime change, calling it a matter for the Iranian people to decide.
Ceasefire on the Brink After Weeks of Escalation
The open conflict between Israel and Iran began on June 13, when Israel launched a coordinated strike on Iranian nuclear sites, missile infrastructure, and senior military officials. The U.S. followed up with strikes on Fordo, Natanz, and Isfahan, key facilities in Iran’s nuclear program.
Iran retaliated with more than 550 ballistic missiles and 1,000 drones, killing 28 Israelis and injuring thousands. Missiles struck residential buildings, a university, and a hospital, causing widespread damage.
Despite the truce announced early Sunday, Iran continues to insist that it does not seek nuclear weapons—claims that Western intelligence agencies and Israel have repeatedly disputed.
Conclusion: Ceasefire Fragile Amid Explosive Rhetoric
President Trump’s explosive remarks and Israel’s continued military actions highlight the fragile nature of the ceasefire. While the U.S. attempts to de-escalate tensions, mistrust between all parties remains high, and any further violations could shatter the truce completely.
With the Middle East once again on edge, observers warn that the situation could unravel unless diplomatic channels remain open and both nations are held accountable to their commitments.