Verdict with Ted Cruz

Episode: BONUS POD: Twelve-Day War Ends in Ceasefire as Trump’s Mid East Win Sparks Media Meltdown
Release Date: June 24, 2025

Introduction

In this compelling bonus episode of "Verdict with Ted Cruz," co-host Ben Ferguson delivers an in-depth analysis of a pivotal moment in international politics: the conclusion of a tumultuous 12-day conflict in the Middle East. Titled "Twelve-Day War Ends in Ceasefire as Trump’s Mid East Win Sparks Media Meltdown," the episode explores President Donald Trump's instrumental role in mediating peace between Israel and Iran, the strategic maneuvers by Iran to de-escalate tensions, and the subsequent backlash from mainstream media outlets.

President Trump's Historic Ceasefire Announcement

At the heart of the discussion is President Donald Trump's recent announcement on Truth Social regarding the ceasefire between Israel and Iran. Ben Ferguson highlights the significance of this development:

Ben Ferguson [03:35]: "President Donald Trump announcing on Monday that Israel and Iran have agreed to a complete and total ceasefire after 12 days of ongoing war is nothing short of historic."

Trump detailed the ceasefire process as follows:

President Trump [02:55]: "Congratulations to everyone. It has been fully agreed by Israel and Iran that there will be a complete and total ceasefire in approximately six hours from now, when Israel and Iran have wound down and completed their in-progress final mission for 12 hours, at which point the war will be considered ended, ENDED."

This strategic move by Trump not only halted the immediate hostilities but also set the stage for long-term peace and economic cooperation in the region. The episode underscores Trump's adept use of social media to communicate directly with the public, ensuring transparency and swift dissemination of critical information.

Iran's Calculated Response and Desire for Peace

Ferguson delves into Iran's response to the conflict, emphasizing the measured and symbolic nature of their actions:

Ben Ferguson [05:10]: "Iran launched a barrage of 14 to 19 short and medium-range ballistic missiles targeting Qatar's NR Air Force base in a calculated retaliation against the U.S. bunker buster bombings of their nuclear sites."

Despite the aggression, Iran demonstrated restraint by ensuring the strikes were proportional and minimally damaging:

Ben Ferguson [06:20]: "Most missiles were intercepted, and only one struck the base without causing casualties. This was a deliberate effort by Iran to make their stance clear without escalating the conflict further."

He explains that Iran's leadership aimed to maintain strong rhetoric while avoiding actions that could lead to a full-scale war:

Ben Ferguson [07:45]: "Iran’s response was designed to deter further aggression while keeping the door open for diplomacy, signaling their intent to avoid total war despite aggressive posturing from figures like their Supreme Leader and IRGC."

This nuanced approach by Iran showcased their commitment to protecting their national interests without triggering extended regional instability.

Media's Response and Perceived Bias

A significant portion of the episode critiques the mainstream media's portrayal of Trump's mediation efforts. Ferguson argues that media outlets, particularly CNN, exhibit a clear bias against Trump, undermining his achievements:

Ben Ferguson [09:30]: "The mainstream media hates Donald Trump more than they care about the success of ensuring our foreign policy keeps Americans safe around the world."

He references a specific CNN segment featuring Caitlin Collins to illustrate this bias:

Caitlin Collins [11:33]: "We're hearing incredibly optimistic views coming out of the White House as far as how long this can hold and what this is going to look like... it was just 24 hours ago that President Trump himself was suggesting a regime change in Iran was a possibility."

Ferguson counters by revealing that Iran confirmed their acceptance of the ceasefire, undermining media skepticism:

Ben Ferguson [12:34]: "I've just been given word that Iran, according to a diplomat who briefed CNN, has agreed to the ceasefire. This is incredibly significant…"

He criticizes CNN for attempting to sow doubt about the ceasefire’s legitimacy and portraying Trump as the instigator of further conflict:

Ben Ferguson [15:01]: "Whether it's the media or whether it was the Biden administration, they were lying to you the entire time about what was happening with their administration and they were not holding Iran accountable."

This segment highlights Ferguson’s perspective that media outlets prioritize their narratives over factual developments, thereby misleading the public.

Historical Context and Comparisons

Ferguson draws parallels between the current ceasefire and historical conflicts to underscore the magnitude of Trump’s achievement:

Ben Ferguson [04:00]: "Trump's chosen title, the 12 Day War, is a clear allusion to the Six Day War of 1967, another dramatic victory by Israel over its enemies. The 12 Day War is no less dramatic and perhaps even greater, paving the way for peace and economic prosperity in the region."

This comparison serves to frame the ceasefire as not only a military success but also a strategic triumph with long-term benefits for global stability and economic corridors like the India-Middle East-European Trade Route.

Strategic Implications and Future Outlook

The episode concludes with an analysis of the broader implications of the ceasefire and Trump's leadership:

Ben Ferguson [15:41]: "Why did so many Americans vote for Donald Trump? Because they wanted to make sure that countries like Iran, who are a threat to the United States, are held accountable. Once again, the President made good on his promise to protect and defend the homeland."

Ferguson emphasizes that the ceasefire sets a precedent for future diplomatic endeavors, showcasing Trump’s ability to navigate complex international landscapes and achieve tangible results.

Notable Quotes

• President Donald Trump [02:55]:
  "This is a war that could have gone on for years and destroyed the entire Middle East, but it didn't and never will. God bless Israel. God bless Iran. God bless the Middle East, God bless the United States of America. GOD BLESS THE WORLD."

• Ben Ferguson [09:30]:
  "The mainstream media hates Donald Trump more than they care about the success of ensuring our foreign policy keeps Americans safe around the world."

• Caitlin Collins [11:33]:
  "We're hearing incredibly optimistic views coming out of the White House as far as how long this can hold and what this is going to look like…"

• Ben Ferguson [15:01]:
  "They were lying to you the entire time about what was happening with their administration and they were not holding Iran accountable."

Conclusion

This episode of "Verdict with Ted Cruz" provides listeners with a comprehensive overview of a critical geopolitical event, highlighting President Trump's role in brokering peace between Israel and Iran. Ben Ferguson meticulously dissects the strategic elements of the ceasefire, critiques media biases, and underscores the implications for future international relations. For those seeking an informed and engaging analysis of current events, this episode serves as an essential listen, encapsulating the complexities of Middle Eastern politics and the enduring impact of presidential leadership.

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