‘DO NOT DROP THOSE BOMBS’: Trump warns Israel
Washington: President Donald Trump has said that both Israel and Iran violated the ceasefire terms, following a deadline set for early Tuesday to end hostilities between the two nations.
Speaking to reporters before his departure for the NATO summit at The Hague, Trump expressed frustration over the failure to uphold the truce.
“They violated it but Israel violated it too,” Trump said. He added, “I'm not happy with Israel.”
In a post on Truth Social published around the same time, Trump issued a stern warning directed at Israel:
“ISRAEL. DO NOT DROP THOSE BOMBS. IF YOU DO IT IS A MAJOR VIOLATION. BRING YOUR PILOTS HOME, NOW!”
Renewed attacks undermine truce
The ceasefire appeared to falter on Tuesday morning when Israel accused Iran of firing missiles into its airspace after the ceasefire deadline had passed. Israel vowed to retaliate against the attack.
Iran’s military denied responsibility for the missile launch, according to state media. However, explosions were heard and air raid sirens blared across northern Israel midmorning. An Israeli military official later confirmed that two Iranian missiles had been intercepted.
Background of the conflict
Now entering its 12th day, the conflict began when Israel targeted Iranian nuclear and military installations. Israel stated that it could not allow Tehran to develop atomic weapons and warned that the Islamic Republic was dangerously close to doing so. Iran has consistently claimed that its nuclear programme is for peaceful purposes.
Concerns over a broader conflict grew after the United States became directly involved over the weekend, deploying bunker-buster bombs. At the same time, Israel widened the range of targets it was striking.
US-led ceasefire in jeopardy
Following a limited retaliatory strike by Tehran on a US military base in Qatar on Monday, Trump announced a ceasefire. Both Iran and Israel agreed to the terms.
However, with renewed hostilities and mutual accusations, it is now uncertain whether the truce will endure.
“Tehran will tremble,” Israeli Finance Minister Betzalel Smotrich posted on X, hinting that the war could escalate further.
(AP inputs)