“They don’t know what the f*ck they’re doing”
Trump erupts in expletive rebuke after fragile Israel–Iran ceasefire frays
Not long after a US-brokered ceasefire between Israel and Iran appeared to unravel, President Donald Trump erupted into a profanity-laced tirade, scolding both nations and sharply criticising media outlets over their coverage of US strikes on Iran. The intense moment, captured Tuesday morning, underscored the volatility of a ceasefire that has held for mere hours.
An exasperated Trump told reporters en route to a NATO summit in The Hague:
“You basically have two countries that have been fighting so long and so hard that they don’t know what the f— they’re doing!”
He accused Israel of overreacting to what may have been an accidental Iranian missile launch and implored the country to “calm down.” Within the hour, Trump signalled that the ceasefire had “remained intact,” tweeting that Israeli aircraft would turn back in a “friendly ‘Plane Wave’ to Iran.”
Torn ceasefire under Trump’s watch
Trump initially declared the ceasefire on June 23, dubbing it the end of the “12‑Day War.” While Israel quickly accepted the terms, Iran initially denied any agreement—though Teheran’s foreign ministry indicated a halt if Israel complied. Despite that, both sides launched missile or airstrikes in the early hours of June 24, prompting a furious response from Trump.
Following his exchange with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu—described by sources as “exceptionally firm and direct”—Israel struck a radar facility near Tehran before halting further assaults. Meanwhile, Iran continued to deny launching any missile during the ceasefire window.
Angry words for media
Trump also targeted CNN and MSNBC, accusing them of disparaging the B‑2 bomber missions that struck Iranian nuclear sites on June 22. He labelled the networks “gutless losers,” even singling out Comcast CEO Brian Roberts as a “weak, pathetic disgrace.”
Ceasefire: Holding, but precarious
Despite Tuesday’s flare‑ups, the ceasefire is still expected to hold, with both sides stepping back after Trump’s intervention. The conflict erupted initially on June 13 when Israel launched unprecedented strikes on Iranian nuclear and military targets, prompting retaliation from Iran and its proxies. The US stepped in on June 22 with bunker‑busting strikes on key facilities in Fordow, Natanz and Isfahan.
Wider backlash & demand for accountability
Beyond the Middle East battlefield, US lawmakers have become increasingly alarmed. A classified briefing on the Iran strikes was abruptly cancelled Tuesday, triggering bipartisan criticism around transparency and executive versus congressional war powers. Democrats, led by Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, are now pushing for more oversight and a War Powers resolution.
Public opinion divided
A CNN poll from June 22–23 shows that 56% of Americans disapprove of Trump’s strikes on Iran’s nuclear installations, though support starkly divides along party lines—with around 80% of Republicans backing the military action.
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With information from: CNN/ Time.com
