Ceasefire between Iran and Israel announced by US President Trump falls apart hours after going into effect

DOHA / WASHINGTON, D.C. / TEL AVIV — A volatile series of events unfolded in the Middle East yesterday, beginning with Iranian missiles targeting the US’s Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar and culminating in the swift collapse of a ceasefire between Iran and Israel announced by US President Donald Trump.

Iranian Targeting of US Base

In retaliation for recent US airstrikes on its nuclear facilities, Iran launched 19 missiles at the US Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar early Monday. The attack, dubbed Operation Glad Tidings of Victory was largely intercepted by Qatari defense systems, though one missile struck a building, causing minor damage and no casualties.

Iranian state media described the attack as a necessary response to what it called “aggression against its sovereignty.” The missiles were reportedly aimed at discouraging further US involvement in the region.

Trump Announces Ceasefire Between Iran and Israel

Amid heightened tensions, President Trump announced a “complete and total ceasefire” between Iran and Israel via Truth Social. Trump stated that the ceasefire would be implemented in two phases, with Iran halting hostilities first, followed 12 hours later by Israel.

“THE CEASEFIRE IS NOW IN EFFECT. PLEASE DO NOT VIOLATE IT!” Trump posted on Truth Social. He credited the diplomatic success to backchannel negotiations facilitated by Qatar and other regional allies.

However, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi refuted claims of a formal agreement. In remarks carried by Iranian state media, Araghchi said Iran would only halt its actions if Israel ceased military operations by a specific deadline.

Ceasefire Breaks Down

The ceasefire unraveled almost immediately. Israeli authorities reported intercepting additional Iranian missile salvos and responded with airstrikes on Tehran. A missile struck the Israeli city of Beersheba, killing four civilians and injuring 20 others, according to first responders.

⭕️”In light of the severe violation of the ceasefire carried out by the Iranian regime, we will respond with force.”

-The Chief of the General Staff, LTG Eyal Zamir in a situational assessment now

— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) June 24, 2025

Iran denied launching any attacks after the ceasefire began, accusing Israel of violating the truce by continuing its strikes beyond the agreed-upon timeline.

Former President Trump, in a follow-up statement, expressed disappointment over the breach of the ceasefire and urged both nations to exercise restraint. Visibly frustrated, Trump took aim at both parties. “We basically have two countries that have been fighting so long and so hard that they don’t know what the fuck they’re doing,” he said.

President Trump on Israel and Iran: “We basically have two countries that have been fighting so long and so hard that they don’t know what the fuck they’re doing.” pic.twitter.com/xrztmebALZ

— CSPAN (@cspan) June 24, 2025