In a surprise development that sent shockwaves across the geopolitical landscape,  U.S. President Donald Trump has announced a “complete and total ceasefire” between Iran and Israel, following nearly two weeks of intense conflict marked by missile barrages, retaliatory strikes, and global diplomatic concern. This ceasefire, described by Trump as “phased” and coordinated between the warring parties, marks what he called the end of the “12-Day War.”

🕊️ Trump’s Statement and Ceasefire Terms

The announcement came via Truth Social, Trump’s favored social media platform, where he revealed that both Iran and Israel had agreed to halt hostilities within a 24-hour timeframe. According to Trump, the ceasefire would be implemented in stages, with Iran initiating a halt to its strikes, followed by Israel, and culminating in a mutual stand-down. In his post, Trump congratulated both sides for their “stamina, courage, and intelligence,” declaring that “the war is now officially over.”

Trump’s statement read, “Congratulations to Iran and Israel for agreeing to a complete and total ceasefire. Iran will halt strikes at 12:00, followed by Israel shortly after. The official END will take place within 24 hours. A historic moment of peace. PLEASE DO NOT VIOLATE IT!”

The message was met with both relief and skepticism. While Trump and his team, including Vice President J.D. Vance and top envoy Steve Witkoff, presented the development as a diplomatic triumph, events on the ground quickly complicated the narrative.

🚀 Renewed Strikes Threaten the Fragile Truce

Despite the ceasefire announcement, within hours, reports emerged of renewed hostilities. Iranian forces allegedly launched several missile salvos toward Israeli cities, one of which hit a residential area in Tel Aviv, causing multiple casualties. The Israeli military, in turn, responded with a fresh wave of airstrikes, including strikes on suspected missile launch sites near Tehran.

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz publicly stated that Iran had violated the ceasefire agreement and that Israel had “no choice but to respond.” He emphasized that Israel would continue to defend itself and its citizens against any aggression, regardless of diplomatic announcements.

In contrast, Iranian state media denied any post-ceasefire missile launches. Iran’s Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, accused Israel of failing to honor the truce first, claiming that Tehran had only retaliated in self-defense. Araghchi further claimed that the ceasefire was conditional on Israel halting all airstrikes by 4:00 a.m. Tehran time—conditions that, according to Iran, were not met.

🏛️ Behind-the-Scenes Diplomacy: The Qatar Channel

According to sources from Axios and TIME, Trump’s team worked behind the scenes to orchestrate the ceasefire, with significant support from the Qatari government, which acted as a key intermediary between the United States and Iran. Qatar’s involvement was crucial, especially since the U.S. and Iran do not maintain direct diplomatic relations.

Through diplomatic channels, Qatar reportedly conveyed Iran’s willingness to de-escalate, provided that the United States and Israel halted further military action. Iran, it is claimed, gave assurances that no further attacks were planned—particularly in response to earlier U.S. airstrikes on its underground facilities in Syria and Iraq. In return, the Trump administration reportedly assured Tehran that no further U.S. retaliation would occur, signaling an informal backchannel agreement to avoid regional escalation.

🌍 Global Reactions and Market Impact

The ceasefire announcement had an immediate impact on global markets. Crude oil prices, which had spiked during the conflict, saw a sharp drop amid hopes for regional stability. Stock markets around the world rallied, reflecting investor optimism that the Middle East conflict would not escalate further—at least in the short term.

International organizations responded cautiously. The United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres welcomed the ceasefire announcement but urged both sides to show restraint and prioritize diplomacy over confrontation. NATO, the European Union, and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) echoed similar sentiments, particularly expressing concern over the threat of attacks near nuclear installations.

The Arab League praised the cessation of hostilities but warned that without addressing the core issues of Israeli-Iranian hostility—including Iran’s nuclear program and Israel’s regional security concerns—the ceasefire would remain fragile.

⚠️ Ceasefire or Temporary Pause?

Despite Trump’s celebratory tone, observers and diplomats remain uncertain about the longevity of the ceasefire. As of now, there is no independent verification mechanism in place to monitor compliance, and both Iran and Israel retain the capability—and the willingness—to resume hostilities quickly.

Critics argue that the ceasefire, while welcome, may be more symbolic than substantive. With no clear framework, no international observers, and no ongoing dialogue addressing the underlying causes of conflict, the risk of renewed violence remains high. Israel has maintained its right to defend itself if provoked, and Iran has vowed to respond forcefully to what it sees as any violations.

Former diplomats warn that unless Trump or other world leaders step in to mediate a broader agreement—perhaps reviving nuclear talks or establishing a long-term security framework—this ceasefire may only be a pause in a continuing cycle of violence.

🔮 What Comes Next?

The next 72 hours will be crucial in determining whether this ceasefire leads to a longer-term de-escalation or if it crumbles under mutual suspicion and retaliatory logic. Some analysts suggest that Trump may use this diplomatic move to bolster his image as a global peacemaker ahead of the 2024 U.S. elections, especially given the complex and volatile nature of Middle East geopolitics.

Others argue that unless the international community pushes for structured talks—potentially involving the United Nations, the European Union, and Gulf states—the truce could fail to hold. The absence of a written agreement, lack of third-party guarantees, and ambiguous timelines make it harder to trust the stability of the deal.

📌 Conclusion

Donald Trump’s announcement of a ceasefire between Iran and Israel has momentarily reduced tensions in one of the world’s most volatile regions. While the move is being praised in diplomatic and economic circles, the reality on the ground suggests that this agreement is far from secure. The coming days will determine whether the “12-Day War” truly ends—or whether a new and even more dangerous phase of the conflict is about to begin.