US President Donald Trump announced a ceasefire between Israel and Iran, potentially ending a 12-day conflict that caused millions to flee Tehran and raised fears of regional escalation. Israel, with US support, had been attacking Iran’s nuclear facilities, alleging Tehran was close to obtaining a nuclear weapon.
Trump congratulated both nations on Truth Social for their “Stamina, Courage, and Intelligence” in ending “THE 12 DAY WAR.” While Israel has not yet commented, an Iranian official confirmed a ceasefire agreement, but their foreign minister stated hostilities would only stop if Israel ceased its attacks.
Iranian official Abbas Araqchi said early Tuesday that Iran would halt its response if Israel stopped its “illegal aggression” by 4 a.m. Tehran time. No Israeli attacks have been reported since then. Araqchi added that the “final decision on the cessation of our military operations will be made later.”
A senior White House official stated that Trump brokered the deal with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, with Israel agreeing on the condition that Iran launched no further attacks. Trump suggested a staged ceasefire, allowing time for ongoing missions to conclude.
Iran denies having a nuclear weapons program, though Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei claimed world leaders couldn’t stop them if they pursued one. Israel, not a signatory to the Non-Proliferation Treaty, is believed to be the only Middle Eastern country with nuclear weapons, a fact it neither confirms nor denies.
Qatar’s Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani secured Iran’s agreement. US Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and US special envoy Steve Witkoff were involved in direct and indirect contact with Iranian officials.
Earlier, three Israeli officials indicated Israel was looking to conclude its campaign soon and had conveyed this to the US. Netanyahu reportedly instructed ministers not to speak publicly about their discussions.
Markets responded positively, with S&P 500 futures rising and US crude futures falling, easing concerns about supply disruptions.
Despite the announced ceasefire, the region did not appear entirely calm. The Israeli military issued evacuation warnings in Tehran, and alarms were activated in the southern Golan Heights due to fears of hostile aircraft.
Earlier, Trump had encouraged Israel toward peace after downplaying an Iranian attack on a US air base that caused no injuries, thanking Tehran for early notice. Iran’s handling of the attack seemed to balance a military response with avoiding further escalation.
Iran’s attack followed US bombers dropping “bunker-buster bombs” on Iranian underground nuclear facilities, joining Israel’s air campaign. Millions had fled Tehran due to days of bombing.
The Trump administration maintained its goal was solely to destroy Iran’s nuclear program. Vice President Vance stated that Iran is now “incapable of building a nuclear weapon.” However, Trump had also hinted at toppling Iran’s hardline clerical rulers. Israel clarified that its strikes on targets like Evin prison aimed to hit the Iranian ruling apparatus broadly.
