WASHINGTON, D.C. — Former U.S. President Donald J. Trump claimed credit on Tuesday for brokering a dramatic ceasefire between Iran and Israel, following heightened tensions that erupted after a powerful missile strike hit a U.S. military base in Qatar over the weekend.
Speaking from his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida, Trump addressed the press with bold remarks, stating:
“If it weren’t for my call — a strong call, a very powerful call — this could’ve been World War III. I told both sides: enough. And they listened, because they respect strength.”
What Happened?
Tensions reached a boiling point last Friday when Iran launched a barrage of ballistic missiles, allegedly in retaliation for a suspected Israeli drone strike on a high-ranking Iranian military convoy near the Iraqi border. One of Iran’s missiles reportedly veered off course and struck the U.S. Al-Udeid Air Base in Qatar, injuring at least 11 American service members and causing minor structural damage.
The Pentagon confirmed the incident but has not officially blamed Iran, stating only that the matter was “under investigation and being handled with urgency.”
Israel’s Response
Israel responded within hours with airstrikes targeting Iranian-aligned militias near Syria and southern Lebanon. Reports from regional sources confirmed at least 30 casualties and significant infrastructure damage.
Prime Minister Eli Hazan, addressing the Knesset on Sunday, said:
“We will not tolerate Iranian aggression — direct or indirect. Every action will be met with overwhelming force.”
Trump’s Intervention
According to multiple sources close to the former president, Trump initiated backchannel communications late Saturday night with Iranian and Israeli officials, including intermediaries in Oman and Turkey. Trump reportedly urged de-escalation and offered to mediate a temporary truce.
Although neither the Israeli government nor Tehran has officially confirmed Trump’s involvement, an anonymous senior diplomat in the Gulf region told Reuters:
“It appears Trump’s outreach may have contributed to the cooling of tensions. The former president still wields influence in key Middle Eastern circles.”
Iranian Reaction
Iran’s Foreign Minister, Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, did not directly acknowledge Trump’s role but welcomed the ceasefire, stating:
“We will always defend our sovereignty, but we are not seeking a war. We support stability in the region.”
Meanwhile, state-run Iranian media dismissed Trump’s claims as “political theater,” calling him “a man with no official mandate and a thirst for attention.”
Biden Administration Silent
The White House has remained tight-lipped, declining to comment on Trump’s alleged diplomacy. President Joe Biden, currently attending the G7 Summit in Rome, did not mention the ceasefire during his address but reiterated the U.S. commitment to “regional stability and the protection of American forces abroad.”
Political analysts speculate that the Biden administration may be reluctant to endorse or challenge Trump’s claims, given the sensitive electoral climate ahead of the 2024 presidential election rematch.
What’s Next?
The ceasefire, though welcomed globally, remains fragile. NATO and the UN have called for restraint, urging both nations to avoid further provocation.
A senior UN official, speaking anonymously, noted:
“This is not peace — it’s a pause. Without meaningful dialogue, this spark could reignite in a matter of days.”
As the region holds its breath, Trump’s unexpected re-entry onto the world diplomacy stage adds yet another layer of complexity to an already volatile geopolitical landscape.
Follow our socials Whatsapp, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Google News.
