Washington DC/Tel Aviv, June 24 (ANI): United States President Donald Trump announced on Monday a “complete and total” ceasefire between Israel and Iran, marking what he described as a significant de-escalation in a conflict that had threatened to engulf the Middle East.
In a statement posted on Truth Social, Trump declared that the ceasefire had been jointly agreed upon by both nations and would take effect approximately six hours after his announcement. “CONGRATULATIONS TO EVERYONE! It has been fully agreed by and between Israel and Iran that there will be a Complete and Total CEASEFIRE (in approximately 6 hours from now, when Israel and Iran have wound down and completed their in progress, final missions!), for 12 hours, at which point the War will be considered, ENDED!” Trump wrote.
According to Trump, Iran would begin the ceasefire first, followed by Israel. This staggered approach would lead to a complete halt in hostilities within 24 hours. He emphasized that during each side’s ceasefire window, the other would remain “peaceful and respectful.” He added, “On the assumption that everything works as it should, which it will, I would like to congratulate both Countries, Israel and Iran, on having the Stamina, Courage, and Intelligence to end, what should be called, ‘THE 12 DAY WAR.’ This is a War that could have gone on for years, and destroyed the entire Middle East, but it didn’t, and never will!”
Trump concluded with a broad message of hope and unity: “God bless Israel, God bless Iran, God bless the Middle East, God bless the United States of America, and GOD BLESS THE WORLD!”
The conflict began on June 13 when Israel launched “Operation Rising Lion,” a massive airstrike targeting Iranian military and nuclear installations. In retaliation, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) initiated a counteroffensive, “Operation True Promise 3,” involving large-scale drone and missile strikes on Israeli military fuel production sites and energy centers.
Tensions reached a boiling point when the United States launched “Operation Midnight Hammer” on Sunday, targeting three key Iranian nuclear facilities. Iran responded by firing missiles at US bases in Qatar and Iraq, including the strategic Al Udeid Air Base—America’s largest military installation in the region.
Despite the declared ceasefire, events took a dramatic turn just hours later.
On Wednesday, Israel accused Iran of violating the ceasefire agreement and warned it would “respond with force.” In a post on social media platform X, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) quoted Chief of the General Staff LTG Eyal Zamir, saying, “In light of the severe violation of the ceasefire carried out by the Iranian regime, we will respond with force.”
Israel’s Prime Minister’s Office reaffirmed the country’s commitment to the ceasefire, while also making clear that any violations would be met with a strong response. “In light of having achieved the objectives of the operation, and in full coordination with President Trump, Israel agrees to the President’s proposal for a bilateral ceasefire. Israel will respond forcefully to any violation of the ceasefire,” the statement read.
Israel also expressed gratitude to President Trump and the US for their role in supporting its defense and in neutralizing what it called the “Iranian nuclear threat.”
The fate of the fragile truce now hangs in the balance as both sides weigh their next moves amid international calls for restraint and lasting peace in the region.
558 words, 3 minutes read time.
About The Author
