In a significant development for Middle East stability, U.S. President Donald Trump announced late Monday, June 23, 2025, that Israel and Iran have agreed to a “Complete and Total CEASEFIRE” to end what he termed “THE 12 DAY WAR.” The announcement, made via his Truth Social platform, outlined a phased implementation, with Iran initiating a 12-hour ceasefire in approximately six hours, followed by Israel for another 12 hours, culminating in an official end to the conflict after 24 hours. Trump expressed hope that this agreement would become permanent, stating, “This is a War that could have gone on for years, and destroyed the entire Middle East, but it didn’t, and never will!” (CNN, Fox News).
The ceasefire was reportedly brokered through extensive diplomatic efforts, primarily mediated by Qatar. A senior White House official confirmed that President Trump engaged directly with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, securing Israel’s agreement on the condition that Iran cease its attacks. Simultaneously, Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Special Envoy Steve Witkoff conducted negotiations with Iranian officials through various channels. The Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, played a crucial role, with Qatar’s Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani securing Iran’s consent to the U.S.-proposed terms (CNN, NBC News).
Despite Trump’s definitive announcement, the situation on the ground and official responses from the involved parties presented a more complex picture. Iranian state media, while confirming a ceasefire deal, framed it as having been “imposed on the enemy” following Iran’s military response to “U.S. aggression.” Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi initially stated there was “NO ‘agreement’” on a ceasefire, but indicated Iran would halt its military response if Israel stopped its strikes by 4 a.m. Tehran time on Tuesday. He later thanked Iran’s armed forces for continuing operations until that deadline, suggesting a de-escalation (CNN, BBC, Al Jazeera). However, the IRGC-affiliated Fars News Agency reportedly dismissed Trump’s claim as “completely false,” vowing an “operational” response to disprove it (BBC).
Israel, for its part, has not yet officially confirmed the ceasefire agreement. Early Tuesday morning local time, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) reported identifying fresh missile launches from Iran towards Israel, activating defensive systems and instructing residents to seek shelter. A missile strike in Beer Sheva, southern Israel, tragically killed three people and injured six others (CNN, ABC News). Concurrently, Iranian state media reported that Israel launched new attacks on various areas of Tehran overnight, including targets like Evin prison and IRGC headquarters (CNN, NBC News).
The ceasefire announcement followed a period of heightened tensions. On Saturday, the U.S. launched “Operation Midnight Hammer,” striking three Iranian nuclear facilities (Fordo, Natanz, and Isfahan) with B-2 bombers and “bunker buster” munitions. While Trump claimed these sites were “completely and totally obliterated,” the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Rafael Grossi, stated that “very significant damage” was expected, particularly at Fordo (NBC News, The Guardian). In retaliation, Iran fired approximately a dozen ballistic missiles at the Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, the largest U.S. military facility in the Middle East. U.S. and Qatari officials confirmed that Iran provided advance notice of the strike, and Patriot missile batteries intercepted all but one projectile, resulting in no casualties (CNN, NBC News).
The diplomatic efforts appear to have had an immediate impact on global markets, with oil prices tumbling as concerns over supply disruptions eased. U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude fell 2% to $67.13 per barrel, and Brent crude dropped 1.8% to $67.17 a barrel (CNN). Internationally, reactions varied, with Russia vowing support for Iran and China condemning the U.S. strikes, while several Gulf nations condemned Iran’s attack on Qatar. The U.S. State Department also issued a “worldwide caution” for American citizens, and approximately 250 U.S. citizens have been evacuated from Israel on U.S.-facilitated flights (NBC News, CNN).
As the “12 Day War” potentially draws to a close, the coming hours will be critical in determining whether the announced ceasefire holds and if a lasting peace can be established in the volatile region.
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[…] Israel and Iran via his Truth Social platform, aiming to end what he termed “THE 12 DAY WAR” (Digital Trends Today). This announcement followed a period of heightened tensions, including U.S. strikes on Iranian […]