President Trump says ceasefire between Iran and Israel is 'in effect'
WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR) - Iran and Israel’s ceasefire deal is on shaky ground. President Donald Trump accused both sides of striking each other, violating the agreement which was set to go into effect overnight.
Less than 24 hours after declaring a ceasefire deal between Iran and Israel, President Trump lashed out at both sides.
"We basically have two countries that have been fighting so long and so hard that they don't know what the –-- they are doing, you understand that?" asked Trump.
Iran denies it violated the terms of the deal, but explosions were heard in northern Israel Tuesday morning. Israel confirms it returned fire. They also launched two missiles just before the deal went into effect.
“It's almost like two kids fighting on a playground all the time and you need an adult in the room to stop the fighting,” said Rep. Michael McCaul (R-Texas.).
Republicans hope cooler heads prevail. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-S.C..) says he just hopes the president's plan works.
“If the ceasefire leads to peace, it's a really good thing,” said Graham.
Democrats meanwhile are demanding answers.
"It appears the ceasefire is not holding very well so there's a whole host of questions,” said Sen. Jack Reed (D-R.I.).
They argue the president should have never launched Saturday’s strike against Iran’s nuclear facilities without consulting Congress.
Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer says the White House cancelled an intelligence briefing scheduled Tuesday, leaving Congress in the dark yet again.
President Trump is now in the Netherlands for a NATO summit. The conflict is likely to be a topic at the summit. France and others are calling for de-escalation to prevent a broader war in the Middle East.