A truce between Israel and Iran, announced by U.S. President Donald Trump, appears to have collapsed just hours after it was declared, with Israel vowing retaliation for an alleged Iranian violation.
On Monday evening, Trump heralded an end to what he termed the “12 Day War,” with both Israel and Iran seemingly agreeing to cease hostilities. However, early Tuesday, the fragile peace shattered. Israeli media reported an Iranian missile barrage, though intercepted, while Tehran denied firing any post-ceasefire missiles.
Retaliation and Frustration
In response to the alleged violation, the Israel Defense Force’s chief of general staff stated, “In light of the severe violation of the ceasefire carried out by the Iranian regime, we will respond with force.” Defense Minister Israel Katz quickly ordered “intense strikes against regime targets in the heart of Tehran.”
A visibly frustrated Trump later condemned both nations for violating the very ceasefire he championed. “We have two countries that have been fighting so long and so hard that they don’t know what the f*** they’re doing,” Trump told reporters.
A Short-Lived Agreement
Earlier on Tuesday, both sides had indicated agreement to Trump’s proposed ceasefire. Israel claimed it had “achieved all the objectives” of its military campaign, and Iran’s foreign minister and top security body also confirmed their acceptance.
The ceasefire announcement followed a flurry of intense attacks. Tehran launched missiles that killed four people in Beersheba, and Israel conducted pre-dawn airstrikes across Iran. The recent escalation saw Israel targeting Iran’s nuclear program and military leadership, with the U.S. directly entering the conflict by bombing Iranian nuclear sites. In response, Iran attacked a U.S. air base in Qatar just hours before Trump declared the truce.
International Concern Over Instability
European leaders quickly reacted to the unfolding events. Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni noted the situation had become “more complicated” due to Iran’s alleged violation, adding that while Iran later reaffirmed its commitment, it could indicate “internal divisions.”
French President Emmanuel Macron emphasized the “volatile and unstable” situation, praising Trump’s call for a ceasefire and urging all parties to “stop the fighting, resume talks and restore stability.” European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, in a statement released before the truce broke down, had called the ceasefire “an important step towards restoring stability” and urged Iran to “engage seriously in a credible diplomatic process.” German Chancellor Friedrich Merz also welcomed the initial call for a ceasefire as a “very positive development.”
The swift collapse of the ceasefire highlights the deep-seated tensions and challenges in achieving lasting peace in the region.
