Washington DC [US], June 24 (ANI): United States President Donald Trump announced on Monday a “complete and total” ceasefire agreement between Israel and Iran, set to take effect within six hours of his statement. The declaration, made via a post on Truth Social, marked what Trump described as a major de-escalation in the 12-day conflict between the two nations.
“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.
He stated that Iran would begin the ceasefire, followed by Israel, with a full cessation of hostilities expected within 24 hours. “Officially, Iran will start the CEASEFIRE and, upon the 12th Hour, Israel will start the CEASEFIRE and, upon the 24th Hour, an Official END to THE 12 DAY WAR will be saluted by the World. During each CEASEFIRE, the other side will remain PEACEFUL and RESPECTFUL,” Trump added.
Emphasizing the potential destruction the war could have caused, Trump praised both nations for avoiding prolonged devastation. “This is a War that could have gone on for years, and destroyed the entire Middle East, but it didn’t, and never will! 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 on Iranian military and nuclear sites. In retaliation, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) initiated “Operation True Promise 3,” targeting Israeli fighter jet fuel production facilities and energy infrastructure.
Tensions escalated further when the United States launched “Operation Midnight Hammer,” a series of precision airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities early Sunday. Iran then retaliated by launching missiles at US military bases in Qatar and Iraq, including the Al Udeid Air Base—America’s largest military installation in the region.
However, despite Trump’s announcement, reactions from the region painted a more complicated picture.
In Tehran, Iran’s Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi denied that any formal agreement on a ceasefire had been reached. Posting on social media platform X, Araghchi stated that no deal would be considered unless Israeli attacks ceased by 4 a.m. Tehran time.
“As Iran has repeatedly made clear, Israel launched war on Iran, not the other way around. As of now, there is NO ‘agreement’ on any ceasefire or cessation of military operations,” Araghchi wrote. “However, provided that the Israeli regime stops its illegal aggression against the Iranian people no later than 4 am Tehran time, we have no intention to continue our response afterwards.”
Araghchi also praised the Iranian military’s efforts, stating they had acted until the very last minute. “The military operations of our powerful Armed Forces to punish Israel for its aggression continued until the very last minute, at 4 am. Together with all Iranians, I thank our brave Armed Forces who remain ready to defend our dear country until their last drop of blood,” he said.
Meanwhile, Israel responded to the ceasefire announcement with initial approval but soon accused Iran of violating the truce. On Wednesday, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) issued a stern warning, stating, “In light of the severe violation of the ceasefire carried out by the Iranian regime, we will respond with force.”
Israel’s Chief of the General Staff, LTG Eyal Zamir, emphasized during a situational assessment that any breach would be met with strong retaliation. Earlier, Israel had announced its agreement to Trump’s ceasefire proposal, crediting the U.S. for its support in addressing the Iranian nuclear threat.
“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,” said the Prime Minister’s Office.
As conflicting statements continued to emerge from both sides, the future of the ceasefire—and the fragile peace it promises—remains uncertain. (ANI)
684 words, 4 minutes read time.
About The Author
