'Please do not violate' ceasefire, appeals Trump
Sean Whelan, RTÉ Washington Correspondent, provides the point of view from the United States after President Donald Trump announces Iran-Israel ceasefire.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Journal
33 minutes ago
- The Journal
'Do not drop those bombs': Trump warns Israel that attacking Iran now would be 'major violation' of ceasefire
LAST UPDATE | 23 mins ago US PRESIDENT DONALD Trump has said that both Israel and Iran violated a ceasefire announced last night, but that he is 'really unhappy' with Israel. This morning, Israel accused Iran of violating the agreement just hours after it came into effect. The country's defence minister Israel Katz said the military detected missiles launched from Iran and confirmed he had ordered the army to launch 'powerful strikes against regime targets in the heart of Tehran'. Iran denied the violation. Speaking to reporters outside the White House, Trump said he is unhappy with both countries, but that he is 'really unhappy' with Israel, who he said 'unloaded' bombs right after the ceasefire was agreed. We will bring you all the latest developments throughout the day. 2 mins ago 1:36PM Israeli newspaper Haaretz is reporting that Donald Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu spoke over the phone following the US President's remarks that he was 'really unhappy with Israel'. American news website Axios also carried the story, quoting a senior Israeli source in its reporting that Netanyahu told Trump that he could cancel the attack and that some response was needed for Iran's alleged violation of the ceasefire. The source told Axios that it was decided to significantly scale back the strike and cancel the attack on a large number of targets, with Israel striking one radar system outside of Tehran. Trump subsequently posted on Truth Social that the ceasefire was now in effect. 10 mins ago 1:28PM Thanks for staying with our coverage so far. Jane Moore here – I'll be bringing you the latest developments as they happen for the next while. We mentioned earlier that Iranian media had reported explosions in the north of the country – despite Donald Trump saying that the ceasefire was now 'in effect'. The Etemad and Ham Mihan newspapers said explosions were heard and air defences were activated in Babol and Babolsar, two towns about 200 kilometres northeast of Tehran on the Caspian Sea. They said the source of the explosions was not immediately clear. 30 mins ago 1:08PM It's not clear how long this apparent truce will hold. Iranian media are reporting explosions in the country's north – further details are expected shortly. Meanwhile, Iran's Revolutionary Guards have said that they had taught Israel an 'unforgettable lesson' with a last-minute missile salvo fired just before the ceasefire deal announced by Trump was meant to take effect. The Guards said in a statement that 'in the final moments before the ceasefire was imposed on the enemy', they had struck 'military and logistical centres of the Zionist regime across the occupied territories (with 14 missiles, delivering a historic and unforgettable lesson to the Zionist enemy'. 33 mins ago 1:05PM Eoghan Dalton here, stepping in for Jane Moore for a bit. We're continuing our coverage of the developing situation in the Middle East. Moments after he accused both countries of violating the truce, Donald Trump has said that a ceasefire between Iran and Israel is now 'in effect'. His latest comments from his Truth Social platform. 'ISRAEL is not going to attack Iran. All planes will turn around and head home, while doing a friendly 'Plane Wave' to Iran. Nobody will be hurt, the Ceasefire is in effect!' Trump posted. Several minutes later, Trump posted again: 'IRAN WILL NEVER REBUILD THEIR NUCLEAR FACILITIES!' 1 hr ago 12:28PM You can hear more of Donald Trump's remarks to reporters below. 1 hr ago 12:18PM Before leaving the reporters to board Marine One, Trump said: 'We basically have two countries that have been fighting so long and so hard that they don't know what the fuck they're doing.' President Trump on Israel and Iran: "We basically have two countries that have been fighting so long and so hard that they don't know what the fuck they're doing." — CSPAN (@cspan) June 24, 2025 1 hr ago 12:06PM Trump also told reporters that he has to get Israel to 'calm down'. 'I don't like the fact that Israel went out this morning at all and I'm gonna see if I can stop it,' he said. He also reiterated that he believes both sides had violated the ceasefire, but added 'I'm not sure they did it intentionally'. Trump said he believes Iran is still committed to peace. 'Israel, as soon as we made the deal, they came out and they dropped a load of bombs the likes of which we've never seen before.' He said he was really unhappy with Israel going out 'because of one rocket that didn't land' that may have been fired mistakenly. 1 hr ago 12:02PM US President Donald Trump speaking with reporters before boarding Marine One on the South Lawn of the White House. Alamy Stock Photo Alamy Stock Photo Donald Trump has said that both Israel and Iran violated the US-brokered ceasefire that he announced last night. Speaking to reporters before boarding Marine One on his way to a Nato summit in The Hague, the US President said he is unhappy with both countries, but that he is 'really unhappy' with Israel. 'These guys have gotta calm down. Ridiculous,' he said. Trump also said that he 'didn't like the fact that Israel unloaded right after we made the deal'. In a subsequent post on Truth Social, Trump said it would be 'a major violation' of the ceasefire if Israel were to drop any bombs on Iran now. 'BRING YOUR PILOTS HOME, NOW!' he wrote. 1 hr ago 11:55AM Iran has said at least 610 people have been killed and over 4,700 wounded in the Islamic republic since the start of the war with Israel on 13 June. 'Over the past 12 days, hospitals… have been confronted with extremely harrowing scenes,' health ministry spokesman Hossein Kermanpour said on X, announcing the increase from the previously reported toll of more than 400 dead and 3,056 wounded. 1 hr ago 11:45AM German Chancellor Friedrich Merz speaking in the Bundestag in Berlin. Alamy Stock Photo Alamy Stock Photo German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has urged Iran and Israel to abide by the US-brokered ceasefire, after the two sides accused each other of continuing hostilities this morning. 'We call on both Iran and Israel to heed this call from the American president,' Merz told parliament. 'If this ceasefire succeeds… then it will be a very positive development that can make the Middle East and the world safer.' 1 hr ago 11:40AM French President Emmanuel Macron has said the situation surrounding Iran 'clearly remains volatile and unstable'. 'I think it's a very good thing that President Trump is calling for a ceasefire,' Macron told reporters during a visit to Norway, adding that 'the last few minutes have shown that the situation remains very fragile'. He also said the risk that Iran would attempt to enrich uranium secretly following US and Israeli strikes on Iranian nuclear sites 'has indeed increased'. Macron called it 'one of the main risks for the region and the international community' and added that 'we must absolutely prevent Iran from going down this path'. French President Emmanuel Macron and Norwegian Crown Prince Haakon at the Normandy Monument in Oslo. Alamy Stock Photo Alamy Stock Photo 2 hrs ago 11:37AM Tánaiste Simon Harris speaking to the media ahead of a meeting of Cabinet this morning. Leah Farrell Leah Farrell Tánaiste Simon Harris said the ceasefire between Israel and Iran must be 'underpinned by diplomacy'. He was speaking in Dublin ahead of a Cabinet meeting this morning. His comments were made as Israel accused Iran of violating the ceasefire by launching missile strikes. Harris told reporters that the only way to bring safety and security to the Middle East is through diplomacy, dialogue and de-escalation. 'Yesterday, when we had very extensive discussions in Brussels on this matter, we're very clear that Europe is ready to play a role in trying to help create that space for that sustained diplomacy,' he said. 'So we need to see regional stability, and we need to now see the ceasefire underpinned by sustained diplomacy.' The Foreign Affairs and Defence Minister welcomed the announcement of the temporary ceasefire, calling it 'a good thing'. A cessation of violence, of hostilities, to allow space for diplomacy and dialogue is a good thing. But of course, there's a real fragility to this. 'At the moment, we have agreement for a temporary ceasefire. We hope that that turns into a permanent ceasefire, but that's what's in place at the moment.' He said 'there isn't an hour to lose' in relation to reaching a sustained diplomacy in the region. 'I certainly know from my engagement with the Jordanians, with the Saudis, with the Egyptians, with the Qataris yesterday, there's a real desire for that in the region.' He added that Europe can play 'a very helpful role' in relation to this, and reiterated comments he made in Brussels yesterday. 'Nobody wants to see Iran with nuclear weapons, but actually, the greatest progress that's ever been achieved in terms of keeping Iran away from nuclear weapons has been done through diplomacy, not through military aggression, and we need to get back to that dialogue now.' 2 hrs ago 11:22AM The Israeli military has yet to confirm whether strikes ordered by defence minister Israel Katz have been launched. Here are the latest images from Tehran. A general view of Tehran's skyline this morning. Alamy Stock Photo Alamy Stock Photo A member of Iran's Revolutionary Guard stands guard at Enqelab-e-Eslami (Islamic Revolution) square in downtown Tehran. Alamy Stock Photo Alamy Stock Photo A woman carries a trolley at Enqelab-e-Eslami (Islamic Revolution) square in downtown Tehran. Alamy Stock Photo Alamy Stock Photo An Iranian woman walks past a banner showing head of the paramilitary Revolutionary Guard's Gen. Gholam Ali Rashid, who was killed in Israeli strike. Alamy Stock Photo Alamy Stock Photo 2 hrs ago 11:17AM Qatar's prime minister has said Iran's missile strikes targeting the US base on Qatari soil were an 'unacceptable' attack on the country. 'The attack on the State of Qatar is an unacceptable act, especially that the State of Qatar has been making great diplomatic efforts in order to have the situation deescalated,' Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani told reporters. 2 hrs ago 11:07AM Iran's armed forces have now accused Israel of launching strikes at the country after US President Donald Trump announced the ceasefire between the two sides. 'The Zionist regime launched three waves of attacks on sites in Iranian territory until 9:00 am (6.30am Irish time) today,' a spokesman for the armed forces command was quoted as saying on state TV, without providing further details. 2 hrs ago 11:01AM The director general of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said he has written to Iran's foreign minister to propose a meeting after the announcement of the ceasefire. In a post on X this morning, Rafael Grossi said Iran resuming cooperation with the IAEA could lead to 'a diplomatic solution to the long-standing controversy' over the country's nuclear programme. I welcome announcements on Iran situation. Resuming cooperation with @IAEAorg is key to a successful agreement. I've written to @araghchi stressing this step can lead to a diplomatic solution to the long-standing controversy over 🇮🇷 nuclear program and proposed to meet soon. — Rafael Mariano Grossi (@rafaelmgrossi) June 24, 2025 2 hrs ago 10:55AM The notorious Evin jail in the north western suburbs of Tehran. Alamy Stock Photo Alamy Stock Photo Iran's prison authority has 'transferred' prisoners out of Evin prison after it was hit by Israeli strikes. The prison authority 'transferred the inmates who were serving their sentences in this prison (Evin) to other facilities within Tehran province… to safeguard the rights of the prisoners and to provide space for emergency response teams', the judiciary's Mizan Online website said. Local media reported the process had been completed, but it is not clear how many prisoners were transferred. 2 hrs ago 10:51AM The Israeli Embassy in London has shared an image on X which it claims shows the rocket fired at Israel by Iran during the ceasefire. 'This is a rocket fired at northern Israel – not during war, but during a so-called ceasefire. Iran continues to show its true nature as a terror state and a regional threat,' the post reads. This is a rocket fired at northern Israel - not during war, but during a so-called ceasefire. Iran continues to show its true nature as a terror state and a regional threat. — Israel in the UK 🇮🇱🤝🇬🇧 (@IsraelinUK) June 24, 2025 2 hrs ago 10:46AM Israel's defence minister Israel Katz has reiterated that he has instructed the IDF, in coordination with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, 'to respond forcefully to the violation of the ceasefire by Iran through intense strikes against regime targets in the heart of Tehran'. 'The Iranian regime grossly violated the ceasefire declared by the U.S. President and launched missiles toward Israel, and in accordance with the government's policy as determined – we will respond forcefully to any violation,' Katz said in a post on X. הנחיתי את צה"ל, בתיאום עם רה"מ, להגיב בעוצמה על הפרת הפסקת האש על ידי איראן בתקיפות עצימות נגד מטרות משטר בלב טהרן. המשטר האיראני הפר באופן חמור את הפסקת האש שהוכרזה על ידי נשיא ארה"ב ושיגר טילים לעבר ישראל, ובהתאם למדיניות הממשלה כפי שנקבעה - נגיב בעוצמה על כל הפרה. — ישראל כ'ץ Israel Katz (@Israel_katz) June 24, 2025 2 hrs ago 10:41AM Ministry of Foreign Affairs Summons Iranian Ambassador, Reiterates Qatar's Strong Condemnation of Violation of Its Sovereignty and Airspace #MOFAQatar — Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Qatar (@MofaQatar_EN) June 24, 2025 Qatar summoned the Iranian ambassador this morning after Iran launched an attack on a US air base in the country last night. The foreign ministry expressed its 'strong condemnation' of the attack and repeated that it 'retains the right to respond to this egregious violation', a statement said. Bright flashes lit up the night sky and blasts echoed across Doha in an attack that followed the US bombing three Iranian nuclear sites over the weekend. The missiles targeted Al Udeid Air Base, the biggest US military facility in the Middle East, in what Qatar's foreign ministry condemned as a 'flagrant violation' of its sovereignty. Air traffic was suspended over Qatar, neighbouring Bahrain and Kuwait for a period of time, but Qatar later confirmed that there were no deaths or injuries. 3 hrs ago 10:31AM Before the ceasefire was announced last night, Israel and Iran continued to exchange missile strikes. This morning, emergency services in Israel said at least four people were killed by an Iranian strike. The Magen David Adom rescue service said three people were pronounced dead at the scene of a strike in the southern city of Beersheba, while a fourth was added in an update to its figures. Rescue teams were seen at the site of this strike this morning. Alamy Stock Photo Alamy Stock Photo Alamy Stock Photo Alamy Stock Photo Alamy Stock Photo Alamy Stock Photo 3 hrs ago 10:26AM Iran has denied it launched missiles at Israel in the 'last few hours'. The general staff of the Iranian army 'denied the launch of missiles from Iran to the occupied territories (Israel) in the last few hours', state television reported. 3 hrs ago 10:16AM Amid the alleged violation of the ceasefire, world leaders are continuing to welcome the agreement, which was announced by US President Donald Trump last night. EU chief Ursula von der Leyen said that the continent 'welcomes' the announcement, calling it 'an important step towards restoring stability in a region in tension'. 'This must be our collective priority,' she said on X, urging Iran to 'engage seriously in a credible diplomatic process'. Russia also welcomed the announcement this morning. 'If a ceasefire has indeed been achieved, this can only be welcomed,' Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters, adding that Moscow hoped 'that this will be a sustainable ceasefire'. 3 hrs ago 10:09AM The chief of general staff of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has said it will 'strike with force' in response to Iran's alleged violation of the ceasefire. 'In light of the severe violation of the ceasefire carried out by the Iranian regime, we will strike with force,' Eyal Zamir said. הרמטכ"ל, רב-אלוף אייל זמיר, בהערכת מצב כעת: "לאור הפרת הפסקת האש החמורה שבוצעה ע"י המשטר האיראני. נתקוף בעוצמה" — צבא ההגנה לישראל (@idfonline) June 24, 2025 3 hrs ago 10:07AM In brief, here is what we know so far: Donald Trump announced that the Israel-Iran ceasefire was 'now in effect' shortly after 6am Irish time in a post on his Truth Social platform and urged both sides not to violate it. Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said that as long as Israel stopped its 'illegal aggression against the Iranian people', Iran had ' no intention to continue our response afterwards'. The Israeli government confirmed that it had agreed to the ceasefire shortly after 7am Irish time, saying it had 'achieved all of its objectives' in its war against Iran. At around 8.30am Irish time, the Israeli military said it had detected incoming Iranian missiles despite the ceasefire. Sirens subsequently sounded in northern Israel. At around 9am Irish time, Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz said he had ordered the army ' to respond forcefully to Iran's violation of the ceasefire ' by launching 'powerful strikes against regime targets in the heart of Tehran'. Iranian state broadcaster IRIB reported that Iran has denied reports that it launched missiles towards Israel. 3 hrs ago 9:59AM Good morning – Jane Moore here. Welcome to our coverage of the developing situation in the Middle East. Just hours after US President Donald Trump announced that a ceasefire between Israel and Iran was now in effect, it appears that is no longer the case. Israel has accused Iran of violating the agreement after its military detected incoming missiles from Iran. We'll be bringing you all the latest updates over the course of the day. Advertisement Related Reads Israel's defence minister accuses Iran of violating ceasefire and orders 'powerful strikes' on Tehran Donald Trump says a 'total ceasefire' has been agreed between Israel and Iran Timeline: When did Donald Trump really decide to bomb Iran? Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone... A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation. Learn More Support The Journal
The Irish Sun
34 minutes ago
- The Irish Sun
Harris ‘concerned' by new ‘effective immediately' US visa rules as Tanaiste outlines 3 actions amid ‘chilling' blast
TAOISEACH Micheal Martin has revealed he does not agree with new US visa rules targeting students as part of Donald Trump's crackdown. And Simon Harris has confirmed he has serious concerns over the move. 2 Speaking at Dublin's Convention Centre last night Martin disagreed with the move Credit: Cate McCurry/PA Wire 2 The US embassy in Dublin issued a stark alert to those wishing to travel Credit: Getty Images New advice will hit those applying for the the F, M, and J classifications, including the popular J1 visa. Issuing an update on the changes to the visa application process Changes now mean anyone applying for a visa must have their In a notice the US embassy in READ MORE IN IRISH NEWS They said: "Effective immediately, all individuals applying for an F, M, or J nonimmigrant visa are requested to adjust the privacy settings on all of their social media accounts to 'public' to facilitate vetting necessary to establish their identity and admissibility to the United States under U.S. law." The embassy said applicants may still submit visa applications and attend scheduled interviews, but they may be ineligible for visa issuance or admission to the United States. Students in Ireland have been warned of online activism for months by travel experts and officials here, amid ongoing efforts by Trump's administration to vet applicants' social media. The Taoiseach said: "I believe the measures now facing students seeking US visas are excessive, I don't approve of them and I don't agree with them. MOST READ ON THE IRISH SUN "One of the great things in the modern world has been the capacity for young people to travel." We fled America for one of Europe's cheapest places - our monthly expenses for 2 fell to $1.5k & we 'don't need a visa' He continued: "There is an issue around freedom of speech but it's more the atmosphere that's created by these measures, the fear and the anxiety that young people will now experience travelling." He also revealed while speaking at the Convention Centre in Dublin yesterday that J1 applications are down at the moment. And amid the new rule change, that tightens restrictions even further, The Tanaiste, who is also Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade and Minister for Defence, said he is "very concerned". He explained: "I am very concerned by the updated advice, set out in a formal notice from the US State Department, in regard to expanded vetting of the social media accounts of new applicants for student visas to travel to the US. "While US immigration policy is a matter for the US authorities and I fully respect the administration's right to determine their own immigration policy, this decision has understandably caused deep concern, confusion and apprehension for young Irish people who may wish to travel to the United States. "Our relationship with the United States is deep and enduring. Importantly it also sees thousands of people travel in both directions every year. "The intergenerational, people-to-people relationship between the US and Ireland begins with the opportunities that both countries afford to young people. It is important that we work to protect this." KEY MOVES Simon Harris has already outlined three moves he plans to take to ease tensions for young The Tanaiste has already been in contact with the US embassy here and US administration to provide as much clarity as possible on the new rules. He has also instructed his officials to engage with third-level institutions that provide services for students who wish to travel with the United States so that clear guidance and support can be offered. He explained: "Last night, I have asked my officials to engage directly with the US embassy here in Dublin and with the administration more widely in a bid to ascertain and provide as much clarity as possible about these new arrangements, particularly to those students who are due to travel in the coming months. "I also asked my officials to engage with third-level institutions and organisations that provide services for students who wish to travel with the United States. "This will be with the clear aim of providing as much clarity as possible on the impact of these new arrangements, relevant guidance and furthermore assessing what possible supports can be provided to young people who wish to travel to the United States in the coming months." A US Ambassador to Ireland set to take up his post next month, with Harris aiming to raise the issue with him then. 'HEAVY-HANDED RULES' The move has also sparked concern among other political figures who have blasted Trump's administration and the "chilling" new move. Labour's Further and Higher Education Spokesperson Senator Laura Harmon said the new moves may leave people feeling as though they can't express themselves online. She said: "We must remember that forcing people to hand over years of personal online activity creates a chilling effect. "People may feel they cannot speak freely or express themselves openly online. This is an unwelcome interference in private life and a step too far for any fair visa system." She added: "These heavy-handed new rules could deter students from applying and erode trust in a system that has worked well for generations. 'Let's be honest: the only thing that is ever certain with Donald Trump's administration is uncertainty. Policies like these sudden social media checks will cause confusion and fear among applicants. "It sends the wrong message to young Irish people who want to broaden their horizons and build experience abroad."
Irish Times
39 minutes ago
- Irish Times
Where were China and Russia when Iran needed them most?
After the agreement of a ceasefire between Iran and Israel , among the questions Tehran might ask about the past 12 days is, where were its powerful friends in Beijing and Moscow ? China and Russia offered rhetorical support to Iran but both made clear from the start of the crisis that neither would do anything that might carry a cost in terms of their diplomatic or economic interests. China, Russia and Pakistan drafted a resolution at the United Nations Security Council in the hours after the US bombed Iran's nuclear facilities, calling for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire. China's foreign ministry, which had been quick to denounce Israel's campaign against Iran, said the US action seriously violated the purposes and principles of the UN Charter and international law. Russia also condemned the US attacks, making a public display of warmth towards Tehran by inviting Iranian foreign minister Abbas Araghchi to meet Vladimir Putin in Moscow. Araghchi said before the meeting that he expected serious negotiations with the Russian president. READ MORE 'Russia is a friend of Iran, we have a strategic partnership. We always consult with each other and co-ordinate our positions,' he said. When they met, Putin again condemned the attacks on Iran but declined to mention the US by name and said Russia was 'making efforts to help the Iranian people'. A Kremlin spokesman said the US action in Iran would not affect the relationship between Moscow and Washington and he was vague about the nature of the help Putin promised, beyond saying 'we have offered our mediation services'. Iran, China and Russia are all members of the Brics and of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation and Tehran has bilateral partnership agreements with both Moscow and Beijing. But none of these agreements have counted for much in the past two weeks as Tehran found itself isolated in the face of overwhelming force from its technologically superior adversaries in the US and Israel. The Moscow-Tehran Treaty signed last January promised a 20-year strategic partnership including joint military exercises and intelligence sharing. And Iran offered military support to Russia for almost a decade when Moscow was shoring up Bashar al-Assad 's regime in Syria. China signed a 25-year comprehensive co-operation agreement with Iran in 2021, promising to invest $400 billion (€345 billion) in the Islamic republic's economy. But while the deal has secured privileged access for Beijing to Iranian oil, it has produced few deals for Iranian businesses hoping for Chinese investment. One reason for this is Chinese firms' nervousness about violating US sanctions against Iran, which could have repercussions for their business elsewhere in the world. Another is that China's economic focus in the Middle East is on the Arab Gulf countries, particularly Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. When US secretary of state Marco Rubio asked China to dissuade Iran from closing the Strait of Hormuz, he was pushing at an open door. Most of the oil that is shipped through the strait is destined for Asia and China, which depends on an uninterrupted supply from the Middle East. This means that stability in the region is more valuable to Beijing than any cost or distraction a war with Iran might create for the US. And as the world's major nuclear powers, China, Russia and the US agree that Iran should not be in a position to develop a nuclear weapon. In any renewed negotiations over Iran's nuclear programme that may follow the ceasefire, Tehran will be under pressure to abandon its enrichment of uranium altogether. Iran is entitled under the Nuclear Non-proliferation Treaty (NPT) to enrich uranium for peaceful, civilian purposes but Moscow and Beijing are unlikely to come to Tehran's aid in exercising that right.
