CNN’s Brett McGurk gives Trump 'high marks' for securing Iran-Israel ceasefire: 'Best place we can be'

WASHINGTON, DC: President Donald Trump just earned some rare praise from CNN following the announcement of a ceasefire between Iran and Israel.

CNN’s global affairs analyst, Brett McGurk, didn’t hold back on the night of June 23 while speaking with Anderson Cooper on 'AC-360.'

Brett McGurk praises Donald Trump for Iran-Israel ceasefire

Brett McGurk, who has served in national security roles under four presidents, including Trump, dropped a glowing review that likely left a few jaws on the newsroom floor.

“Bottom line, this is about the best place we can be,” McGurk said of the ceasefire announcement. “I give extremely high marks to this national security team and President Trump for managing this crisis and getting us to where we are.”

Still, McGurk made it clear the job wasn’t done yet. He emphasized that “follow-through” remained essential, while also acknowledging the unexpected level of progress made.

“There’s a chance for diplomacy here,” he continued. “Not only on the Iran side, but also in Gaza. Those talks are also going on back channel in Cairo, there’s a Hamas delegation there. Try to get that ceasefire in place. And you can come out of this in a place that is far better than we would have anticipated 10 nights ago.”

Even Cooper didn’t downplay the moment. “I keep using the term ‘remarkable,’ but it is just an extraordinary turn of events in the last 24 hours," he said.

CNN mocked after Brett McGurk's comments

Many on social media heaped praise on Donald Trump while mocking CNN following Brett McGurk's remarks.

"My boy Anderson sure doesn’t look happy to hear that… Trump was right, AGAIN!" one posted on X.

"Ooof you know that burned CNNs ears listening to that lol," another laughed.

"Betcha, that was painful and the cause of many angry phone calls," someone else quipped.

"CNN actually aired that- someone is getting fired. Hahahah," a comment read.

"Trump is the Daddy the West needs," another joked.

Uncertainty clouds Iran-Israel ceasefire timeline and terms

The ceasefire was first announced by President Trump on his Truth Social account, just hours after reports of multiple missile barrages from Iran, which killed at least six people and injured several others.

“The ceasefire is now in effect. Please do not violate it!” Trump posted.

An hour later, the office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed that Israel had accepted the deal but warned it would "respond forcefully to any violation of it."

Israel hailed its military operation — dubbed Operation Rising Lion — as a major victory. “A tremendous success for the people of Israel and its fighters who removed the two existential threats to our state, and ensured the eternity of Israel," the statement read.

However, there was confusion surrounding the ceasefire’s exact timeline. Trump’s original post suggested both nations might still be completing military operations before the ceasefire fully took effect.

“It has been fully agreed by and between Israel and Iran that there will be a Complete and Total ceasefire for 12 hours, at which point the War will be considered, ended!” Trump declared. “On the assumption that everything works as it should, which it will, 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.’”

Former US Ambassador to Israel Dan Shapiro expressed confusion over the details, questioning whether Israel had “12 more hours to strike,” or whether military actions were expected to stop immediately.

Iran denies ceasefire deal, vows continued resistance until Israeli attacks end

It appeared that Iran wasn’t exactly on the same page as Trump.

Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi took to X to clarify Iran’s position, stating, “Israel launched war on Iran, not the other way around.”

He added, “As of now, there is NO ‘agreement’ on any ceasefire or cessation of military operations. However, provided that the Israeli regime stops its illegal aggression against the Iranian people no later than 4 am Tehran time, we have no intention to continue our response afterwards.”

Araghchi reiterated Iran’s longstanding position, asserting that it was Israel who initiated the conflict. Minutes later, he followed up with another post, stating:

“The military operations of our powerful Armed Forces to punish Israel for its aggression continued until the very last minute, at 4 am. Together with all Iranians, I thank our brave Armed Forces who remain ready to defend our dear country until their last drop of blood, and who responded to any attack by the enemy until the very last minute," he said.

Qatar emerges as quiet powerbroker in Iran-Israel truce

Sources told Reuters that Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani played a key behind-the-scenes role in nudging Iran toward cautiously accepting the ceasefire deal. According to one official, Trump personally informed Qatar’s emir that Israel had agreed to the terms.

Meanwhile, three senior Israeli officials reportedly told the US they were ready to bring the military operation to a swift close.

Even Netanyahu stated on June 22 that the country was “very, very close to completing” its military objectives.

Additionally, a senior Iranian official confirmed to Reuters that Tehran had agreed to the US-proposed ceasefire.

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