On 23rd June 2025 (local time), U.S. President Donald Trump announced a phased ceasefire agreement between Israel and Iran, declaring an end to what he dubbed the “12-day war.” The announcement followed massive airstrikes by the U.S. on Iran’s key nuclear facilities: Fordow, Natanz, and Esfahan, under Operation Midnight Hammer.
(The ceasefire collapsed within hours of publishing this article; it didn’t even last 12 hours. Iran violated it, Israel responded with airstrikes, and Trump is now publicly warning his own allies. So much for peace.)
The ceasefire was to be implemented in phases: Iran would stop strikes first, followed 12 hours later by Israel, with a complete ceasefire within 24 hours. Trump took to Truth Social, celebrating the moment as proof of successful leadership. He added that both nations approached him for peace and declared, “God bless Israel, God bless Iran… and GOD BLESS THE WORLD.”
Mixed Signals from Iran
Iran’s Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi initially denied any agreement, asserting Iran’s right to defend itself until Israeli strikes ceased. Just minutes later, he praised Iran’s armed forces for responding to aggression “until the last minute.”
Israel Claims Victory
Israel’s government, however, declared “mission accomplished”, claiming to have achieved the objectives of Operation Rising Lion, including air superiority over Tehran and destruction of major regime targets. Israel accepted the U.S.-brokered ceasefire in coordination with Trump.
Yet, mere hours after the announcement, Israel accused Iran of violating the truce, reporting continued missile attacks and activating sirens across the country. Defence Minister Israel Katz authorized further strikes on Tehran in response.
A Ceasefire Without Closure: Trump’s Short-Sighted Diplomacy?
Trump’s Pattern of Premature Credit
The ceasefire may have been reached, but given the fragile state of affairs, it wouldn’t be surprising if it collapses under pressure. What’s more worrying is the pattern Trump seems to follow.
This is not the first time Trump has taken credit for de-escalation. During Operation Sindoor, he claimed he was responsible for India and Pakistan’s cessation of hostilities, a move India strongly rebuffed. Even Prime Minister Modi told him directly that India does not accept third-party mediation. Trump, however, refused to stop taking credit, even saying he threatened India with tariffs as leverage.
Peace Without Results? A Question of Strategy
Now, after dropping bunker busters on Iran, an action that his own Vice President JD Vance admitted may not have fully destroyed Iran’s nuclear assets, Trump turns around and calls for peace. This abrupt pivot makes little sense. If the U.S. strikes were meant to neutralize Iran’s nuclear threat, why declare a ceasefire before confirming their success?
The IAEA has observed no radiation increase, suggesting Iran may have evacuated nuclear material in time, meaning the strike may not have accomplished its core goal.
Political Optics Over Military Objectives
So why did Trump reverse course?
Some speculate it was a political calculation. Perhaps the war wasn’t playing well with his base. But in doing so, Trump has angered both sides—those who opposed intervention and those who supported a complete dismantling of Iran’s nuclear capability.
Strategic Damage to Israel, Moral Boost to Iran
In particular, this puts Israel in a strategic bind. The goals of their operation were clear:
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Cripple Iran’s nuclear program
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Weaken the regime, possibly push for regime change
But with Trump’s ceasefire, Israel is left with unfinished business. Worse, Iran may now resume nuclear ambitions more aggressively, clean up Mossad’s spy network, and prepare for long-term confrontation with more secrecy and security.
Trust Lost: A Lesson for India
Israel, America’s closest ally, is now forced into a ceasefire after years of intelligence-sharing, defense cooperation, and even limited F-35 tech access, which no other ally enjoys. This betrayal will not be forgotten.
As for Iran, they will portray this as a victory against two superpowers, emboldening radicals and endangering regional stability. And for those inside Iran who collaborated with Mossad, the fear of exposure and elimination has now multiplied.
This is not how a responsible superpower acts. And this is why many now believe America is in strategic decline—rash actions followed by retreats, leaving allies exposed and enemies emboldened.
This should be a lesson for India. The United States cannot be relied upon in moments of strategic crisis. As Henry Kissinger once said:
“TO BE AMERICA’S ENEMY IS DANGEROUS, BUT TO BE AMERICA’S FRIEND IS FATAL.”
Update: Ceasefire Shattered
And this is exactly what happens when you bulldoze through diplomacy without considering the real concerns of the parties involved. Trump wanted a headline, not a resolution. Now, after Iran sent salvos of missiles breaking the fragile ceasefire, Israel is bombing again, Iran is restarting its nuclear program, civilians are dead, Mossad networks are compromised, and Trump is on Truth Social yelling at his own ally. A ceasefire without consensus isn’t peace.