On June 23, 2025, President Donald Trump announced a “complete and total ceasefire” between Israel and Iran, following a dramatic 48-hour escalation that included U.S. airstrikes on Iranian nuclear sites and Iranian missile retaliation on a U.S. base in Qatar.
Ceasefire Brokered Through Qatari Mediation
Trump’s announcement came after a flurry of backchannel diplomacy, with Qatar playing a pivotal role in mediating between the U.S., Israel, and Iran. Trump personally spoke with Qatari Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, while Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio coordinated with Iranian officials through indirect channels.
The ceasefire deal, which Trump hailed as the “Official END to THE 12 DAY WAR”, was reportedly accepted by both Israel and Iran under the condition that hostilities cease immediately. However, Israeli airstrikes reportedly continued into early Tuesday, raising questions about the durability of the agreement.
Iranian Missile Strike on U.S. Base in Qatar
Just hours before the ceasefire, Iran launched missiles at a U.S. military base in Qatar, in retaliation for the U.S. bombing of three Iranian nuclear facilities over the weekend. Trump confirmed there were no American casualties, though damage assessments were ongoing.
The U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres warned of a “spiral of chaos”, condemning the U.S. strikes and urging restraint.
Trump Urges Oil Companies to Keep Prices Low
Amid fears of a global oil shock, Trump called on U.S. oil companies to “keep prices low”, after Iran’s parliament threatened to close the Strait of Hormuz, a key waterway for global oil traffic.
Approval Ratings Hit New Lows
Despite the ceasefire, Trump’s approval ratings continued to slide:
- Gallup: 40% approve, 57% disapprove (-17 net approval)
- YouGov/Economist: 40% approve, 54% disapprove (-14 net)
- Ipsos/Reuters: 41% approve, 57% disapprove (-16 net)
- American Research Group: 38% approve, 59% disapprove (-21 net)
Pollsters attribute the decline to Trump’s “Liberation Day” tariffs, the Iran conflict, and immigration crackdowns.
June 23, 2025, marked a turning point in Trump’s foreign policy, as he sought to de-escalate a volatile conflict while grappling with domestic discontent. Whether the ceasefire holds—or merely pauses a broader confrontation—remains to be seen.