Fragile Ceasefire Holds Between Iran and Israel After 12 Days of Escalation

June 24, 2025 – WASHINGTON, D.C. — President Donald J. Trump (R) announced a tenuous ceasefire between Iran and Israel bringing at least a temporary halt to nearly two weeks of intense military conflict that drew in the United States and had some more hyperbolic pundits even warning of World War III.

On June 21, 2025 President Trump addressed the nation to announce that the U.S. had launched devastating attacks on three Iranian nuclear sites. The U.S. Air Force used B2 stealth bombers to drop 14 bunker buster bombs to penetrate the hardened bunkers protecting the Iranian nuclear enrichment facilities. The U.S. Navy also launched 30 Tomahawk cruise missiles at the targets.

Most Alabama leaders were supportive of the President’s actions.

Representative Mike Rogers (R-AL03) is the Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee.

The President made the correct decision to strike Iran's nuclear sites," said Congressman Rogers in a statement. "Iran made the choice to continue its pursuit of a nuclear weapon and would only be stopped by force. It would be a grave mistake to attempt any retaliation against our forces or homeland."

Alabama Governor Kay Ivey (R) said on social media, "God bless our country, and God bless our troops! Proud to live in the greatest nation on Earth."

Congressman Dale W. Strong (R-AL04) said on X, "A nuclear-armed Iran is a threat to the entire world. They had ample time to come to the table and make a deal but forced President Trump to take action to ensure the safety of our country and our allies."

Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall (R) said on X, "I support President Trump's swift and decisive action to protect America and our allies. Praying for our men and women on the front lines. We stand strong with Israel."

U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-Alabama) said on X, "God bless our Troops. God bless President Trump. And may God continue to bless the United States of America."

Congressman Robert Aderholt (R-AL04) said on X, "I fully support President Trump's decision to take out Iran's nuclear facilities. As I have said, I believe that if Iran gets a functioning nuclear weapon they would not hesitate to use it against Israel or the United States. When they say death to Israel and death to America, we have no reason not to believe them. I pray this action has made the world safer. President Trump has pledged to get us out of "forever wars." This could be a step toward ending the war we have been in with Iran since 1979. They have killed hundreds and hundreds of Americans in the past half century."

Former State Representative Perry O Hooper Jr, (R-Montgomery) said, "The strikes on Iran's nuclear facilities were not just a show of strength-they were a message. A message to Tehran, to their terrorist proxies, and to the world: The United States will not sit idly by while the world's leading sponsor of terror races toward a nuclear bomb."

Hooper is a columnist whose works are regularly published in the Alabama Gazette.

Congressman Gary Palmer (R-AL06) said in a statement, "I fully support President Trump's decision to destroy Iran's nuclear facilities. This decision was forced upon us by the refusal of the Iranian leadership to accept the reality that the U.S. would never allow them to have a nuclear weapon. With this action, American resolve to eliminate any and all threats against our country and our allies was put on full display."

Alabama Lieutenant Governor Will Ainsworth (R) said, "I trust President Donald Trump and believe he is taking the steps necessary to protect our country, promote its interests, and put America first. Iran has been a bad actor for 46 years, and bad actions reap bad consequences. Support our President and ask God to bless America."

Congressman Barry Moore (R-AL01) said on X, "I stand with President Trump. God bless him and our brave service members."

Auburn men's basketball Coach Bruce Pearl said on X, "Thank you Mr president for your strength and vision, keeping us safe. Proud of our troops! You did what no one has had the courage to do for far too long. You were patient and clear. Pray for Peace through prosperity in the Middle East, expand now on the AA. You prevented a War."

Congresswoman Terri Sewell (D-AL07) took a much harsher tone.

"The Constitution is very clear: only Congress can declare war. The President's unilateral military action is unconstitutional," Rep. Sewell said in a statement. "It puts U.S. forces and our diplomatic personnel at peril and brings us dangerously close to all-out war in the Middle East. The Trump Administration must immediately brief Congress and takes steps to prevent further escalation of this conflict."

The conflict began on June 12, 2025 when the Israeli Air Force rained bombs down on Iran. The Israeli attacks had destroyed much of the Iranian Air Force and air defenses as well as killed many of their Republican Guard leadership prior to the U.S. operation.

Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall (R) said on X at the time, "We stand firmly with our ally as it acts to ensure the safety and sovereignty of its citizens.”

Congressman Robert Aderholt (R-AL04) said on X, "Israel has a right to defend itself from those who wish it harm and its extinction. And there is no greater threat to Israel than the prospect of a nuclear armed Iran. These strikes tonight come not because of Israel but because of the path Iran has chosen. Years of appeasement."

The United States was briefed by Israel ahead of their actions.

"Israel advised us that they believe this action was necessary for its self-defense,” said Secretary of State Marco Rubio. "President Trump and the Administration have taken all necessary steps to protect our forces and remain in close contact with our regional partners. Let me be clear: Iran should not target U.S. interests or personnel."

The Iranians retaliated against Israel by firing missiles at them. The Iranians had launched two largescale unprovoked attacks the year before with little effect. Some of the Iranian missiles did get through Israel’s ‘Iron Dome’ missile defense system killing 11 Israelis and wounding over a 100.

After the U.S. bombed the Iranian nuclear sites Iran fired missiles at Qatar where 8,000 U.S. service members are based. Those missiles were all safely intercepted.

The ceasefire was initially marred by mutual accusations of violations. However, by late Tuesday, both sides had largely ceased hostilities, and international observers expressed cautious optimism that the truce will hold.

The White House declared the U.S. bombing campaign a success.

“Last weekend, the United States successfully carried out a massive precision strike on Iran's nuclear enrichment facilities, and it was very, very successful—It was called OBLITERATION,” said President Trump on Truth Social. “This incredible exercise of American strength has paved the way for peace, with a historic ceasefire agreement…”

THE VIEWS OF SUBMITTED EDITORIALS MAY NOT BE THE EXPRESS VIEWS OF THE ALABAMA GAZETTE.