Israel had long planned an attack on Iran but delayed it until several factors aligned: Donald Trump’s election in the US, the conclusion of a 60-day period of nuclear negotiations, and specific Iranian attacks.

Trump had cast the ceasefire as an end to the 12-day war that saw Israel, later joined by the US, launch attacks on Iran’s nuclear infrastructure and draw retaliatory strikes from Tehran.

The White House has claimed that Trump has personally intervened in negotiations between countries in conflict, helping broker ceasefires or peace agreements, although some foreign leaders dispute the extent of his involvement.

The major force for peace in the world today is not the United Nations, it is President Donald Trump. In his four ½ years as President, he has accomplished more to end wars and save lives than the organization that is supposedly “the world’s best hope for peace.”

Many unanswered questions remain. THE BACKSTORY: Trump was able to broker a fragile ceasefire between Israel and Iran after the U.S. joined Israel in launching strikes on Iran’s nuclear program.

Israel’s leadership views its 12-day war with Iran last month as a success – several Iranian military leaders were killed, Iran’s defensive military capabilities were weakened, and the United States was convinced to take part in a raid on the Iranian nuclear site at Fordow.

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt managed to unite many on the left and right alike on Thursday with a claim about President Donald Trump so over-the-top that neither side was buying it. Leavitt shared a link on X to a USA Today column arguing that Trump is deserving of the Nobel Peace Prize.

U.S. President Donald Trump will meet with Qatar's Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani on Wednesday, the White House said, as Trump presses for progress on a Gaza ceasefire and hostage-release deal.