Trump Begs Israel and Iran to Stop «Shooting», Pope Leo Says It’s A «Painful Defeat»

Donald Trump appeared surprised by the sudden collapse of the fragile ceasefire that had held uneasily between Israel and Iran since April, reacting with a short and direct message on Truth Social as reports of fresh attacks spread across the Middle East. The president addressed both countries in a public appeal that reflected the rapidly deteriorating situation on the ground.

«Israel and Iran must immediately stop “shooting.”» Trump wrote as Iran launched its most aggressive military action since the beginning of the supposed ceasefire and Israel responded with a new wave of operations. The renewed fighting followed months of tension that had persisted despite diplomatic efforts by Washington and regional partners.

The latest escalation followed days of Israeli military operations in Lebanon. Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam stated that Israel had launched nearly 3,500 strikes since the April ceasefire, a figure that illustrated how fragile the truce had become despite repeated diplomatic efforts. The growing instability in Lebanon added another layer of complexity to a conflict that was already stretching across multiple borders.

The situation deteriorated dramatically late Sunday when Iran launched a coordinated military assault involving ballistic missiles and explosive drones. The operation targeted northern Israel and marked the most significant Iranian attack since the ceasefire began. Air raid sirens sounded across affected areas as Israeli defense systems attempted to intercept incoming projectiles.

Iran’s operation extended beyond Israeli territory and generated broader concerns about regional security. Reports indicated that military activity and threats to strategic infrastructure were increasing across the Gulf region, while shipping routes remained under close scrutiny. The Strait of Hormuz again became a focal point for international concern.

A few hours after his initial message, Trump returned to Truth Social with a noticeably different tone. Rather than focusing solely on stopping the violence, he emphasized what he described as ongoing diplomatic progress between the parties involved. «Both sides, Israel and Iran, are looking to do an immediate CEASEFIRE!» Trump wrote.

Trump went further by claiming that negotiations were approaching a decisive stage. In a subsequent message, he wrote: «Final negotiations on “Peace” are proceeding, subject to ignorance or stupidity getting in its way.» The president offered no details about the participants involved in those talks or the specific framework being discussed.

The president also addressed American pressure measures against Iran. «The Blockade will remain in place, and in full force and effect, until a “Final Deal” is reached. Things should move quickly,» Trump wrote. The comment reinforced the administration’s position that economic and strategic pressure would continue alongside diplomatic efforts.

Trump’s comments came amid renewed scrutiny of his influence over events in the Middle East. Reports indicated that he had spoken with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu shortly before the latest Israeli military actions. The timing fueled criticism from observers who argued that Washington appeared increasingly reactive rather than capable of directing events.

The worsening situation also prompted a response from Pope Leo XIV, who addressed the conflict during remarks delivered before the Spanish parliament. The pontiff described the crisis as a «painful defeat» of negotiations and pointed to violence and polarization as factors contributing to a broader global crisis. His comments reflected growing concern that diplomatic channels were being overwhelmed by military escalation.

Economic concerns intensified as the fighting continued. Oil prices rose sharply while major stock indexes experienced declines amid fears that a prolonged conflict could affect energy supplies and global trade. Meanwhile, Iranian officials signaled that they were prepared for a lengthy confrontation. One Iranian military source cited by Tasnim stated: «If the Israelis and Americans imagine that through ‘controlled tension’ they can make Iran and the Resistance Front predictable in the face of their crimes, or limit the type of Iran’s response, they are committing a foolish mistake.»