In a 48-hour whirlwind, President Donald Trump navigates fragile Israel-Iran ceasefire from brink of collapse to agreement

Diane LaVoie

June 25, 2025

In just 48 hours, President Donald Trump navigated a volatile path from optimism to frustration before securing a fragile ceasefire between Israel and Iran.

The agreement came together despite high tensions and last-minute threats of collapse, reflecting a complex balance of military pressure and diplomatic negotiation.

His public criticism of both sides was part of a strategic push to solidify the deal.

The breakthrough followed intense U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, which set back Tehran’s program significantly.

Trump communicated clearly with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, signaling an end to further U.S. military action and emphasizing the need to return to diplomacy.

This marked a shift from escalation to cautious de-escalation in the region.

The ceasefire deal emerged after intense military actions and high-stakes diplomacy. It involved complex negotiations shaped by recent strikes, political pressures, and strategic calculations by both Israel and Iran.

The ceasefire process accelerated after U.S. military strikes targeted three major Iranian nuclear sites early Sunday. These strikes significantly delayed Iran’s nuclear capabilities and prompted swift diplomatic engagement.

President Trump immediately contacted Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu, urging restraint and signaling no further U.S. offensive action. Meanwhile, Tehran’s limited retaliation appeared as a strategic move to open negotiation channels.

By Monday, the tentative agreement took form amid ongoing pressure from Qatari mediators and U.S. officials. The ceasefire was publicly announced following 12 days of Israeli bombardment and mounting regional tension.

About the author
Diane LaVoie
With over two decades of business journalism experience, Diane LaVoie has been leading our business coverage since 2017. A Nashua native and UNH graduate, Diane spent ten years at the Boston Globe covering regional economics before returning to her home state to raise her family. Her specialty is connecting national economic trends to local impacts, making complex financial news accessible to everyday readers. Diane has developed a respected column, "Granite State Business," featuring profiles of local entrepreneurs and analyzing economic development in New Hampshire's diverse communities from the North Country to the Massachusetts border. She serves on the board of the New Hampshire Small Business Development Center and frequently speaks at community events about the state's economic outlook. Outside of work, Diane is an avid gardener, cookbook collector, and youth soccer coach. She lives in Bedford with her husband and twin daughters.