United States (U.S.) President, Donald Trump, has declared a “complete and total ceasefire” between Israel and Iran, claiming to have brokered an end to a 12-day conflict that threatened to destabilize the Middle East.
The announcement, made via Truth Social late Monday, followed intense missile exchanges, raising hopes for de-escalation but leaving questions about the agreement’s durability.
Neither Israel nor Iran immediately confirmed the deal, and ongoing strikes have cast doubt on its immediate implementation.
The conflict began on June 13 when Israel launched airstrikes on Iranian nuclear and military targets, prompting Iranian counterattacks. The U.S. escalated the situation over the weekend, striking three Iranian nuclear sites, which Trump claimed “completely obliterated” Iran’s nuclear program.
Iran retaliated Monday with a missile attack on the U.S. Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, though most missiles were intercepted, and no casualties were reported.
Trump’s ceasefire plan outlines a phased approach: Iran would halt strikes at midnight ET Tuesday, followed by Israel 12 hours later, with the war officially ending after 24 hours.
“This is a war that could have gone on for years, and destroyed the entire Middle East, but it didn’t,” Trump wrote, praising both nations’ “stamina, courage, and intelligence.” He later told NBC News the ceasefire was “unlimited” and would last “forever.”
However, Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi denied any formal agreement, stating on X that Iran would cease attacks only if Israel stopped by 4 a.m. Tehran time.
Iranian state media claimed a ceasefire was “imposed” on Israel after missile strikes that killed at least four in Beersheba. Israel reported ongoing Iranian missile barrages post-deadline, with emergency services confirming casualties and damage to residential buildings.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu remained silent initially but later confirmed Israel’s acceptance, stating it had “achieved all military objectives” in its campaign, dubbed Operation Rising Lion.
Qatar played a key role in mediating, with Trump and Vice President JD Vance coordinating with Qatari officials to secure Iran’s agreement.
Global markets reacted positively, with oil prices dropping and S&P 500 futures rising. Yet, analysts warn that unresolved issues, particularly Iran’s nuclear ambitions, could undermine the truce.
As fighting continued into Tuesday, skepticism persists about the ceasefire’s viability.
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