On Tuesday, just hours after announcing a ceasefire, U.S. President Donald Trump accused both Israel and Iran of breaching the agreement, directing sharp criticism particularly toward Israel for launching new airstrikes on Tehran. “Israel, stop dropping bombs. If you continue, it will be a major violation. Recall your pilots immediately!” Trump wrote on Truth Social shortly after departing the White House for a NATO summit in The Hague.

Before boarding his helicopter, he told reporters he was “not happy” with either nation for ignoring the truce, but emphasized his disappointment with Israel. “I need to get Israel to stand down,” Trump said. “Right after we reached the agreement, they carried out a massive bombing operation — the biggest I’ve ever seen.” He added bluntly that Iran and Israel had been fighting for so long that “they don’t know what the f*** they’re doing,” before turning away from the press.

Earlier that day, Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz had ordered new strikes on Tehran, claiming Iran had fired missiles in a clear violation of the ceasefire. Iran denied launching any attacks and instead accused Israel of continuing to strike for 90 minutes after the truce was meant to begin. Despite the violations, there was a strong sense of relief in both countries and across the Middle East, as a fragile path to peace appeared to be forming. The conflict had begun 12 days earlier when Israel launched a surprise attack, followed by U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear sites two days ago.

Reza Sharifi, 38, speaking by phone as he returned to Tehran from Rasht, said, “We’re very happy. It doesn’t matter who mediated it or how — the war is over. It never should’ve happened.” In Tel Aviv, software engineer Arik Daimant shared his bittersweet reaction: “It’s too late for me and my family — our house was destroyed last Sunday. But still, better late than never. I hope this ceasefire marks a fresh start.” Trump had earlier posted on Truth Social: “THE CEASEFIRE IS NOW IN EFFECT. PLEASE DO NOT VIOLATE IT!”