Trump Claims Ceasefire Between Iran and Israel Amid Ongoing Tensions

Ceasefire Announcement by Trump

On Monday, President of the United States, Donald Trump, announced that Iran and Israel had reached a consensus for a 'complete and total' ceasefire following ten days of conflict.

However, Iran's Foreign Minister, Seyed Abbas Araghchi, refuted this claim, stating that no ceasefire agreement or halt to military actions had been established at this time.

He mentioned, 'If the Israeli regime ceases its unlawful aggression against the Iranian populace by 4 am Tehran time, we will not pursue further military responses.'

Araghchi further indicated that Iranian military actions aimed at 'punishing Israel for its aggression' would persist until the specified time. He expressed gratitude towards the Iranian Armed Forces for their readiness to defend the nation.

As of now, Israel has not issued a response regarding these developments.

Details of the Proposed Ceasefire

In his social media announcement, Trump stated that both Israel and Iran had 'fully agreed' to the ceasefire.

'Congratulations to everyone!' Trump proclaimed. '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!'

He elaborated that Iran would initiate the ceasefire, and after 12 hours, Israel would follow suit, leading to an official conclusion of the conflict.

Trump emphasized that both nations would maintain a 'peaceful and respectful' demeanor throughout the ceasefire period.

'Assuming everything proceeds as planned, I would like to commend both countries, Israel and Iran, for their stamina, courage, and intelligence in concluding what should be termed the “12-day war,”' he stated.

He remarked that this conflict could have escalated for years, potentially devastating the entire Middle East, but it did not.

Context of the Conflict

Prior to announcing the ceasefire, Trump expressed gratitude to the Emir of Qatar, Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, for his efforts in promoting peace in the region.

This ceasefire announcement followed an Iranian strike on the Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, which hosts US troops. Trump confirmed that there were no casualties among Americans or Qataris from this attack.

Earlier, the US had joined Israel in military actions against Iran, with Trump describing a 'very successful attack' on Iranian nuclear facilities.

On June 13, the Israeli military targeted what it claimed were nuclear sites in Iran, aiming to hinder Tehran's nuclear ambitions, prompting Iranian missile retaliation against Israel.

Washington has historically supported Israel and serves as a guarantor of its security.

Araghchi condemned the US strikes as a serious breach of international law and the United Nations Charter.

While Israel asserts that Iran is 'closer than ever' to acquiring nuclear weapons, Iran insists that its nuclear program is intended for peaceful purposes.