Explosions rock Tehran even after Trump tells Israel to halt strikes

June 24 (Reuters) – Explosions echoed across Tehran on Tuesday as Israeli airstrikes reportedly hit a radar site, despite U.S. President Donald Trump’s directive for Israel to halt its operations and preserve a fragile ceasefire.

According to witnesses in Iran's capital, at least two loud blasts were heard, signaling ongoing hostilities even after a supposed truce. Prime Minister Netanyahu’s office confirmed that Israel had targeted a radar installation near Tehran in retaliation for alleged Iranian missile launches — just hours after the ceasefire was to take effect.

While Netanyahu later agreed to stop further attacks following a call with Trump, it remains unclear whether the radar strike occurred before or after that conversation.

Trump’s Outburst and Ceasefire Deal

Traveling to a NATO summit, Trump took to social media to express frustration:

“Israel. Do not drop those bombs... Bring your pilots home, now!”

“All planes will turn around... Ceasefire is in effect!”

Earlier, Trump criticized both nations for ceasefire violations, singling out Israel:

“I've got to get Israel to calm down now... They’ve been fighting so long, they don’t know what the hell they’re doing.”

According to Axios, Netanyahu told Trump he would scale back bombing, not cancel it.

Conflicting Claims on Violations

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz had authorized strikes in response to what he described as Iranian missile launches — a claim Tehran denies. Iranian officials accused Israel of continuing its assault well past the ceasefire deadline. Despite these claims, both sides expressed relief at the possibility of de-escalation.

Residents on both sides voiced mixed emotions. Reza Sharifi, returning to Tehran, said:

“The war is over. It never should have started.”

In Tel Aviv, software engineer Arik Daimant lamented the late truce:

“Our house was destroyed... but better late than never.”

Trump: No Regime Change, No Nukes

On Air Force One, Trump clarified he had no interest in toppling Iran’s regime:

“Regime change takes chaos... I’d like to see things calm down quickly.”

He emphasized Iran would not develop nuclear weapons, claiming:

“I think it’s the last thing on their mind right now.”

Background: Escalation and Ceasefire

The conflict began on June 13 with a surprise Israeli strike on Iranian nuclear facilities, killing senior commanders. Iran responded with missile attacks, including on a U.S. base in Qatar, though no casualties were reported.

The ceasefire — brokered by Trump with support from Qatar — followed mounting international concern over rising casualties and energy market instability.

Toll So Far:

Iran: Hundreds reportedly killed (unverified).

Israel: 28 deaths confirmed from missile strikes.

Recent incidents: 4 Israelis killed in Beersheba; 9 Iranians in northern Iran.

As the region holds its breath, the truce remains fragile, with analysts watching closely for signs of renewed conflict or a path to lasting peace.