In a stunning turn of events, U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Monday that Israel and Iran have agreed to a “complete and total ceasefire,” ending a violent 12-day conflict that threatened to engulf the Middle East in broader war.
In a Truth Social post, Trump said the ceasefire would begin in phases: Iran would stop firing first, followed by Israel several hours later. “Upon the 24th Hour, an official end to the 12 Day War,” he wrote. Trump praised both sides for the “stamina, courage, and intelligence” to deescalate.
Israel later confirmed it had accepted the ceasefire, stating that it had met its strategic goals, particularly eliminating threats tied to Iran’s nuclear and missile capabilities. “Israel has removed a dual immediate existential threat,” the Prime Minister’s Office declared.
However, Iran offered more cautious language. While a senior Iranian official told Reuters that Tehran had agreed, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi denied any formal deal had been reached, though he hinted at a willingness to pause attacks if Israel stopped first.
U.S. Vice President JD Vance confirmed the ceasefire’s timing and defended Washington’s military actions, saying, “Iran’s nuclear program has been obliterated.” He also insisted Iran’s missile capabilities had been “largely destroyed.”
Despite the announcements, both sides continued low-level military exchanges overnight, including Israeli airstrikes and Iranian drone activity. Still, Trump maintained optimism: “It’s a great day for America, a great day for the Middle East,” he told NBC News.
The ceasefire was reportedly brokered through joint U.S.-Qatar mediation. Trump personally contacted both Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Qatar’s Prime Minister, who then convinced Iran to halt further escalation.
As the guns begin to fall silent, questions remain over how long the calm will last and whether true diplomatic breakthroughs can follow this intense period of violence.
