Trump Pleads Ceasefire Amid Middle East Chaos

Doha: As missiles rained down and tensions escalated across the Middle East,  U.S. President Donald Trump made a dramatic call for ceasefire, only to face a sharp rebuke from Iran. Iranian state media on Tuesday claimed that the so-called truce came not from goodwill, but from compulsion. According to Tehran, the United States “begged” for a ceasefire after Iran launched a powerful retaliatory strike on a U.S. military base in Qatar.

The situation rapidly unfolded overnight following Iran’s response to Israeli airstrikes that reportedly killed an Iranian nuclear scientist near Damascus. In retaliation, Iran fired several missiles toward key U.S. and Israeli targets in the region. The aftermath of the attacks saw three Israeli civilians and one Iranian scientist killed, according to initial reports. Videos circulating online showed night skies lit up with explosions over Israeli territory.

Iran’s media claims that its counter-offensive “brought the enemy to its knees,” stating that a ceasefire was not negotiated but “imposed” after American officials, under pressure, forced Israel to stand down. Trump, who had earlier praised Israel’s resolve, is now facing criticism from both ends — for escalating the conflict, and then retreating from it.

Meanwhile, global reactions are pouring in. The United Nations has welcomed the ceasefire but warned both nations to de-escalate further. European leaders have urged restraint, with many voicing concerns that the fragile peace may not hold. The Pentagon has yet to confirm the extent of damage to its assets in Qatar but acknowledged “an active military event” took place near Al Udeid Air Base.

Back in Washington, political circles are debating Trump’s handling of the crisis. While some Republicans hailed his call for de-escalation, others questioned the wisdom of engaging in a high-stakes confrontation during an election year. Iranian officials, however, remain defiant, calling the strike a “warning shot” and promising to act again if provoked.

As of now, the ceasefire appears to be holding, but the air remains thick with uncertainty. Whether this moment marks the beginning of de-escalation or just a pause before the next eruption — the world is watching closely.