On Tuesday, former U.S. President Donald Trump cautioned that the conflict between Iran and Israel might reignite at any moment, despite the current ceasefire. Speaking at a NATO summit in The Hague, Trump attributed the tenuous peace to U.S. airstrikes targeting Iranian nuclear facilities.
"I think we've essentially ended the war. Our airstrikes on various nuclear sites made a significant impact," Trump stated. Nonetheless, he acknowledged the potential for renewed hostilities, citing regional instability and persistent tensions between the nations. "It might flare up again soon," he noted.
Trump expressed that both Iran and Israel are "exhausted" following what he dubbed the "12-day war," and he conveyed optimism that neither side desires further escalation. Meanwhile, Iran has claimed victory and insisted it is prepared to restart its nuclear program. However, Trump described a critical juncture during the ceasefire when Iran allegedly breached the agreement, prompting Israel to mobilize 52 aircraft. Trump claimed he personally urged Israeli officials to hold off on the offensive, and they agreed.
In his remarks, Trump praised American pilots for their role in the strikes and criticized the media for downplaying the military operations' effects. "I hope they receive the respect they deserve. They returned home to fake news reports suggesting minimal damage," he lamented.
The former president also speculated that Iran might pivot its economy towards oil exploitation while moving away from nuclear ambitions. He warned that if Iran resumes its atomic endeavors, "someone will need to address it."
True to his style, Trump mixed commendations for the armed forces with critiques of the press, reaffirming his support for Israel and emphasizing that the U.S. remains poised to intervene should the conflict resurface.
Escalation and Ceasefire in the Iran-Israel Conflict
The tension between Iran and Israel has significantly escalated since mid-2024, characterized by a series of attacks and counterattacks that have heightened regional tensions. The direct hostilities between these two nations were sparked by a Hamas terrorist attack on October 7, 2023, which tragically resulted in the deaths of 766 Israeli civilians and 373 soldiers and police officers, alongside the abduction of 251 civilians and soldiers.
Israel swiftly retaliated with an offensive against Hamas in the Gaza Strip, while its intelligence services worked tirelessly to dismantle all enemy militias in the region, which Iran uses and finances as proxies to inflict maximum damage on the Jewish people.
In April 2024, Israel launched airstrikes on Iranian facilities, including a bombing of the Iranian consulate in Damascus, which led to the deaths of high-ranking commanders of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. In retaliation, Iran initiated an unprecedented offensive, launching over 300 drones and missiles into Israeli territory.
The situation deteriorated further in June 2025 with "Operation Rising Lion," where Israel unexpectedly targeted Iranian nuclear sites, eliminating senior military leaders and nuclear scientists. Iran responded with "Operation True Promise III," launching ballistic missiles and drones at Israeli cities and warning of potential strikes on U.S. and European bases in the region.
On June 22, 2025, the United States directly intervened in the conflict by bombing three key nuclear sites in Iran. The Trump administration justified this action as necessary for peace, though Iran retaliated by attacking the Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar.
Since then, a fragile ceasefire has been established, mediated by the United States, Egypt, and Qatar. However, recent violations by both parties and Trump's statements suggest the possibility of the conflict resuming remains high.
Key Questions About the Iran-Israel Conflict
What sparked the recent hostilities between Iran and Israel?
The recent hostilities were sparked by a Hamas terrorist attack on October 7, 2023, leading to significant loss of life and triggering a strong Israeli response.
What was the role of the United States in the Iran-Israel conflict?
The United States played a direct role by conducting airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities and mediating a ceasefire alongside Egypt and Qatar.
How did Iran respond to Israeli attacks on its facilities?
Iran retaliated by launching drones and missiles into Israeli territory and warned of potential attacks on U.S. and European bases.