Fact Check: Trump Labels the Conflict as the '12-Day War'
What We Know
Recently, former President Donald Trump referred to the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran as the "12-Day War" in a post on social media. This statement came amidst discussions of a ceasefire agreement between the two nations, which Trump claimed to have facilitated. According to reports, Trump stated, "On the assumption that everything works as it should... I would like to congratulate both Countries, Israel and Iran, on having the Stamina, Courage, and Intelligence to end, what should be called, 'THE 12 DAY WAR'" (source-2, source-5).
The term "12-Day War" is a notable reference, echoing historical conflicts in the region, particularly the "Six-Day War" of 1967, which has significant emotional weight in Middle Eastern geopolitics (source-1).
Analysis
Trump's use of the term "12-Day War" appears to be a strategic framing of the conflict, likely intended to emphasize the brevity of the hostilities compared to other prolonged conflicts in the region. The claim is substantiated by multiple credible news sources that reported on Trump's statement, confirming that he indeed labeled the conflict in this manner (source-1, source-7).
However, it is important to note that while Trump announced a ceasefire, Iran's Foreign Minister, Seyed Abbas Araghchi, publicly refuted claims of an official ceasefire agreement, stating, "As of now, there is NO 'agreement' on any ceasefire or cessation of military operations" (source-5). This discrepancy raises questions about the context in which Trump made his statement and the actual status of hostilities.
The sources reporting on this claim are generally reliable, including major news outlets such as Reuters, CNBC, and Fox News, which have a history of covering international affairs. However, the political implications of Trump's statements may introduce bias, as they are often framed to support his administration's foreign policy achievements.
Conclusion
The claim that Trump labeled the conflict as the "12-Day War" is True. His statement is well-documented across multiple reputable sources, confirming that he used this terminology in the context of announcing a ceasefire agreement. While the term itself is accurate, the broader implications of the ceasefire and the actual state of hostilities remain complex and somewhat contentious.