President Donald Trump on Tuesday publicly accused both Israel and Iran of violating a ceasefire agreement he had brokered, expressing his dismay at the unfolding situation. Reports from NBC News and Fox News indicated the President's frustration, as he remarked that the two countries "have been fighting for so long, that they don't know what the f*** they're doing" and issued a direct demand for Israel to recall its warplanes.
The ceasefire, announced by Trump on Truth Social on Monday evening, was intended to bring an end to "THE 12 DAY WAR" between Israel and Iran. White House officials outlined a staged implementation for the agreement: Iran was to halt strikes against Israel from midnight Eastern Time, followed by Israel ceasing its strikes against Iran 12 hours later at noon ET on Tuesday. The conflict was scheduled to officially conclude by midnight ET on Wednesday.
Behind the scenes, the diplomatic efforts were multifaceted. President Trump engaged directly with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Simultaneously, Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff communicated with Iran through various channels. Qatar played a pivotal role in facilitating the deal, with Trump reportedly asking the Qatari Emir to persuade Iran to agree to the ceasefire. Vice President Vance subsequently coordinated specific details with the Qatari prime minister. These direct talks with Iran reportedly intensified following Iran's strike on Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, an incident that heightened concerns about a broader escalation of the conflict which began on June 12 with Israel's "preemptive" strikes against Iranian military targets.
Netanyahu-Trump Phone Call
The relationship between Netanyahu and Trump during the recent Israel-Iran conflict has shown a blend of cooperation and underlying tension. On June 24, 2025, a crucial phone call took place between Trump and Netanyahu after Israel indicated its intent to strike Iran. Israeli media reported on the escalating situation surrounding this conversation. During the call, Trump reportedly urged Netanyahu not to proceed with the strike, cautioning that additional Israeli strikes would constitute a "serious violation" of the ceasefire he had brokered.
This was not their first heated exchange regarding Iran policy. In late May 2025, the two leaders reportedly had a "heated phone call" concerning their strategies on Iran, with Trump emphasizing his preference for a diplomatic resolution, stating: "I want a diplomatic solution with the Iranians. I believe in my ability to make a good deal." Despite these disagreements, Netanyahu has maintained frequent contact with Trump throughout the crisis, affirming that he spoke with the president "almost every day" since the conflict began. Their relationship has evolved considerably since Trump's 2024 election victory, which Netanyahu enthusiastically hailed as "history's greatest comeback."
Trump's Angry Response
President Trump's exasperation escalated into a public outburst as he vehemently criticized both Israel and Iran for their alleged breaches of the ceasefire. Addressing reporters before his departure for a NATO summit in the Netherlands, Trump declared, "Iran did. Israel did, too. I'm not happy with Israel. Don't go out first hour. Not happy with Iran, either." In a particularly blunt assessment of the volatile situation, Trump reiterated that the two nations "have been fighting for so long, that they don't know what the f*** they're doing."
Trump's anger translated into direct commands to Israel via his Truth Social network, where he posted: "ISRAEL. DO NOT DROP THOSE BOMBS. IF YOU DO IT IS A MAJOR VIOLATION. BRING YOUR PILOTS HOME, NOW!" Following an alleged direct conversation with Prime Minister Netanyahu, Trump later asserted that Israel "is not going to attack Iran" and that "all planes will turn around and head home, while doing a friendly 'Plane Wave' to Iran." The President's unvarnished reaction underscored the precariousness of the ceasefire and his personal commitment to its preservation amidst deep-seated regional tensions.
