Just hours after Israel and Iran agreed to a tentative ceasefire following weeks of deadly clashes, former U.S. President Donald Trump issued a fiery response, blaming “weak leadership on both sides” for the escalation and calling for a permanent end to what he described as “America’s endless entanglements in Middle East wars.”
Trump, speaking to reporters at a campaign stop in Ohio, criticized both Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei for pushing the region toward what he described as a “completely avoidable disaster.” He called the violence a “strategic failure” and argued that neither side gained anything except the loss of innocent lives and economic destruction.
“This is exactly what happens when you have bad leadership,” Trump said. “Israel is acting without a long-term strategy, and Iran is funding terrorists while pretending to want peace. It’s the same old game, and it’s the people—on all sides—who suffer.”
The former president also attacked the Biden administration for what he claimed was a "soft, confused foreign policy" that allowed the conflict to flare up. “We had Iran under control,” Trump stated, referencing his maximum pressure campaign and withdrawal from the 2015 nuclear deal. “And Israel respected strength. But now, the region sees weakness, and this is what it leads to.”
Despite his criticism of Israel’s government, Trump maintained his support for the Israeli people, saying, “America will always stand with its ally, but that doesn’t mean rubber-stamping every decision.” He then called for a “new, bold regional security plan” that would move away from military responses and focus on diplomacy, economic partnerships, and counterterrorism cooperation.
In a surprise twist, Trump also used the moment to warn about the rising risk of a broader war involving the United States. “The American people are tired of endless Middle East wars. We need to focus on our borders, our economy, and our future—not get dragged into another conflict 6,000 miles away.”
Trump’s remarks sparked international debate. Israeli officials expressed concern over his harsh tone, while Iranian outlets dismissed his comments as “American hypocrisy.” Analysts noted that Trump’s strategy appears to appeal to both anti-war conservatives and frustrated pro-Israel voters seeking a more stable long-term policy.
With the ceasefire still shaky and political tensions in both Iran and Israel simmering, Trump’s comments add another layer of pressure to already strained diplomacy. Whether his warnings are heeded or ignored, one thing is certain: Trump remains a central voice in shaping the narrative around U.S. involvement in the Middle East.