Israel and Iran have agreed to a ceasefire, effectively halting a 12-day conflict that threatened to destabilize the Middle East. U.S. President Donald Trump announced the breakthrough on his Truth Social platform, dubbing the conflict the “12 Day War” and hailing the agreement as a testament to the “stamina, courage, and intelligence” of both nations. The ceasefire, brokered with significant Qatari mediation, marks a critical step toward de-escalation after intense missile exchanges and airstrikes that claimed lives on both sides.
The conflict began on June 13, 2025, when Israel launched surprise airstrikes targeting Iranian military and nuclear facilities. The Israeli operation, which included the assassination of key Iranian military leaders and nuclear scientists, was described as a preemptive strike to counter what Israel claimed was an imminent threat from Iran’s nuclear program. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) had declared Iran non-compliant with its nuclear obligations on June 12, escalating regional tensions. Iran retaliated with missile and drone attacks on Israeli military sites and cities, while Israel continued its bombardment, including strikes on Tehran’s notorious Evin prison and other strategic targets.
The United States entered the fray on the ninth day, launching B-2 bomber strikes on three Iranian nuclear sites; Isfahan, Natanz, and Fordow, using bunker-buster bombs in an operation codenamed “Midnight Hammer.” Iran responded with a missile attack on the U.S. Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, though advance warning from Tehran ensured no casualties. The tit-for-tat strikes raised fears of a broader regional conflict, with global oil prices spiking and travel disruptions rippling worldwide.
The ceasefire, announced by Trump on June 23, 2025, at 6:02 p.m. EDT, follows a phased structure. According to Trump’s statement, Iran would initiate a 12-hour ceasefire at midnight ET on June 24, followed by Israel 12 hours later, culminating in an official end to hostilities by midnight ET on June 25. Both sides were urged to remain “peaceful and respectful” during the ceasefire periods. Trump expressed optimism, stating the agreement could lead to an “unlimited” peace, preventing a war that “could have gone on for years and destroyed the entire Middle East.”
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Qatar played a pivotal role in mediating the deal. A senior White House official revealed that Trump coordinated with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, while Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Special Envoy Steve Witkoff engaged with Iranian officials through Qatari intermediaries. Qatar’s Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani secured Iran’s commitment after Trump assured the Emir of Qatar that Israel was on board, provided Iran ceased further attacks.
Despite the announcement, confusion surrounded the ceasefire’s implementation. Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi initially denied any formal agreement, stating on X that “as of now, there is NO ‘agreement’ on any ceasefire or cessation of military operations.” However, he added that Iran would halt its attacks if Israel ceased its strikes by 4 a.m. Tehran time (8:30 p.m. ET, June 23). Iranian state media later reported a ceasefire was in effect from 7:30 a.m. Tehran time on June 24, describing it as “imposed on the enemy.”
Israel, meanwhile, has not publicly confirmed the ceasefire. Hours before the truce was set to begin, Iran launched a barrage of missiles, killing at least four people in Beersheba and injuring others, with one missile striking a residential building. Israel’s emergency services reported significant damage, and sirens sounded across Tel Aviv and other cities. Israel continued its strikes on Tehran, with social media reports describing some of the most intense bombings of the war, prompting the Israeli Defense Forces to issue evacuation warnings for parts of the Iranian capital.
The ceasefire has elicited cautious optimism but also skepticism. U.S. crude oil prices fell to a two-week low, reflecting eased concerns about supply disruptions, while global stock markets rallied. Democratic Representative Jared Moskowitz praised the outcome, noting that degrading Iran’s military and nuclear capabilities without American casualties was a “win for the country.” However, Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez criticized Trump’s unilateral strikes, calling for his impeachment over unauthorized military action.
Legal scholars and several nations, including Bolivia, Brazil, China, and Russia, condemned Israel’s initial strikes as violations of international law, while the U.S., Germany, and Ukraine expressed support for Israel’s right to self-defense. The United Nations called for restraint, and European leaders urged Iran to return to diplomacy.
The ceasefire’s durability remains uncertain. Middle East analyst Omar Rahman warned that a major Israeli strike, such as an assassination attempt on Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, could unravel the agreement. Questions also linger about the extent of damage to Iran’s nuclear program and whether Tehran retains the capacity to rebuild. The White House claims Iran’s nuclear facilities were “completely destroyed,” but verification awaits international inspections.
As the ceasefire takes hold, the region holds its breath. The “12 Day War” has left scars, over 950 deaths in Iran, including civilians and military personnel, and at least 24 in Israel. Displaced populations, damaged infrastructure, and heightened regional tensions underscore the stakes. Trump’s vision of a lasting peace hinges on both nations adhering to the truce and addressing underlying issues, particularly Iran’s nuclear ambitions. For now, the world watches to see if this fragile ceasefire can pave the way for stability or if it is merely a pause in a deeper conflict.
