United States: In a dramatic proclamation Monday night, President Donald Trump unveiled that Israel and Iran had assented to a phased ceasefire accord, potentially signaling closure to nearly a fortnight of ferocious aerial exchanges between the two rival states.
Via a post on Truth Social, Trump articulated that the concord comprises two sequential ceasefire windows, each spanning twelve hours. The initial pause, instigated by Iran, was to commence at the stroke of midnight (EDT), following both adversaries’ conclusion of their final tactical endeavors.
Following Iran’s cessation, Israel would reciprocate with a corresponding twelve-hour halt, according to Trump’s outline.
Upon the completion of these 24 hours, Trump asserted the cessation of warfare would be formally recognized, marking the culmination of what he titled “THE 12 DAY WAR.”
“In presuming all proceeds without deviation, which it shall—I extend commendations to both Israel and Iran for displaying fortitude, clarity, and astuteness in concluding this unfortunate chapter,” Trump penned, projecting a tone of closure, according to ABC News.
However, in the wake of Trump’s announcement, official quarters in both Tel Aviv and Tehran withheld public affirmation or repudiation of the purported truce.
Complicating the fragile pause, Israel reported that Iran had unleashed a final cascade of missile attacks, claiming the lives of no fewer than three individuals mere moments before the ceasefire terms were to activate.
Prior to this, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi had refuted the existence of any such binding ceasefire arrangement. Nevertheless, he proposed a conditional de-escalation, declaring that if Israeli offensives ceased by 4 am Tehran time (8:30 pm EDT), Iran would forgo further reprisals.
Araghchi emphasized that a conclusive judgment on terminating Iran’s military engagement was still forthcoming. He lauded Iranian forces for responding “valiantly to hostile provocations till the very final breath.”
The sudden ceasefire revelation arrived shortly after the US expanded its involvement, aligning with Israel by executing aerial bombardments on three Iranian nuclear facilities.
Hostilities had erupted on June 12 when Israel initiated a sweeping offensive, targeting critical Iranian infrastructure, including facilities linked to its nuclear ambitions. Israel defended the campaign as a “precautionary measure,” citing classified intelligence that suggested Iran was nearing completion of a nuclear device—a claim Iran staunchly rejected, as per ABC News.
Earlier Monday, Iran had retaliated by launching missiles toward Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, the US’s largest stronghold in the region. Though the offensive stirred apprehension of broader conflict, a US defense source told ABC News that the assault was thwarted with help from Qatari forces. Trump, calling the Iranian move “feeble,” nonetheless urged restraint through social channels. A senior official later described Iran’s strike as a “misfired act of vengeance.”
As night fell, the silence from Israel and Iran lingered—leaving the world to wait and see if Trump’s truce prophecy becomes enduring peace or another fleeting pause in the cycle of fire.
