U.S. President Donald Trump announced a “complete and total ceasefire” between Israel and Iran on Monday, halting a 12-day conflict that brought the Middle East to the edge of a broader war. The announcement, shared via Trump’s Truth Social platform, followed Iran’s missile strike on a U.S. military base in Qatar, which heightened global fears of escalation. The ceasefire, effective at midnight, aims to end hostilities that began on June 13 when Israel launched targeted strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities and military infrastructure, citing concerns over Iran’s alleged nuclear weapons program.
The conflict, which Trump called “The 12-Day War,” saw Iran retaliate with missile and drone attacks on Israeli cities, including Tel Aviv, Haifa, and Beersheba, causing significant damage to civilian infrastructure, including a hospital in Beersheba, and killing 24 people. On June 22, the U.S. joined Israel in striking Iranian nuclear sites, including Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan, with Trump claiming the attacks “obliterated” Iran’s nuclear capabilities. Iran reported 224 deaths and widespread disruption, including to internet services. The ceasefire, which requires both sides to maintain “peaceful and respectful” conduct, remains unconfirmed by Israeli or Iranian officials, raising questions about its durability.
The agreement follows urgent international calls for de-escalation, including a U.N. Security Council meeting where Russia, China, and Pakistan pushed for peace. U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas welcomed the ceasefire but urged sustained diplomacy to address underlying tensions. While the deal offers hope, analysts warn that unresolved issues, particularly Iran’s nuclear ambitions and Israel’s security concerns, could threaten the fragile truce.
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