Breaking: Trump Announces Israel-Iran Ceasefire, Urges Both Nations To Uphold Peace.
US President Donald Trump declared on Tuesday morning that a ceasefire between Israel and Iran is now in effect, marking a potential end to a 12-day conflict that has claimed numerous lives and heightened tensions across the Middle East. In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump hailed the agreement as a “complete and total ceasefire,” urging both nations to respect the truce and avoid further escalation.
The announcement followed a chaotic period of tit-for-tat strikes, with Iran launching missiles at a US military base in Qatar and Israel conducting airstrikes on Iranian targets, including a reported attack on Tehran. According to Trump, the ceasefire began with Iran halting its attacks at 4 am Tehran time (00:30 GMT), with Israel following 12 hours later at 7 pm local time (12:00 GMT). The agreement stipulates that after 24 hours, the conflict, dubbed the “12 Day War,” will be considered officially ended, provided both sides adhere to the terms.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed Israel’s acceptance of the ceasefire, contingent on Iran ceasing further attacks. However, confusion arose as Iran’s Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi initially denied any formal agreement, stating on X that there was “no agreement on any ceasefire or cessation of military operations.” He later clarified that Iran would halt its strikes if Israel stopped its “illegal aggression” by 4 am Tehran time, aligning with the ceasefire’s start.
Despite the agreement, early reports of violations emerged. Israel’s Defence Forces (IDF) claimed to have intercepted two Iranian missiles launched at 10:30 am local time (3:30 am ET), accusing Iran of breaching the truce. Iran, in turn, alleged that Israel conducted strikes on Tehran, Urmia, and Rasht until 9 am local time (5:30 GMT), an hour and a half after the ceasefire’s supposed start. Trump expressed frustration, stating he was “really unhappy” with both sides, particularly Israel, for continuing attacks post-agreement.
The ceasefire was reportedly brokered with Qatar’s mediation, with Trump coordinating with Qatari leadership to secure Iran’s agreement following its retaliatory strike on the US Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, which caused no casualties. The conflict, sparked by Israel’s surprise attack on 13 June and escalated by US strikes on three Iranian nuclear facilities, has seen significant loss of life, with Iran’s missile strikes killing 28 in Israel and Israeli attacks claiming nine lives in Iran.
Trump celebrated the truce as a “wonderful day for the world,” expressing hope that it would be “unlimited” and last “forever,” preventing further devastation in the Middle East. He claimed both nations approached him “almost simultaneously” seeking peace, a narrative disputed by Iran’s initial statements.
Oil prices dropped following the announcement, with Brent crude falling 1.8% to $67.17 per barrel, reflecting eased concerns over supply disruptions. Meanwhile, the UN’s nuclear watchdog chief, Rafael Grossi, offered to meet Iran’s foreign minister to discuss resuming cooperation on Tehran’s nuclear programme, aiming for a diplomatic resolution.
Israeli and Iranian citizens expressed cautious relief, though reports of early violations tempered optimism. Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz ordered “intense strikes” on Tehran in response to alleged Iranian missile fire, while Iran denied launching post-ceasefire attacks. As both nations navigate this fragile truce, the international community watches closely, hoping for a lasting de-escalation.
The ceasefire’s success hinges on mutual restraint, with Trump warning against violations to ensure a path to enduring peace in the region.
