Israel‑Iran “12 Day War” Ends with Ceasefire: News Summary \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ President Trump announced a phased “complete and total” ceasefire between Israel and Iran after 12 days of intense conflict. Iran’s foreign minister clarified that no formal deal exists, stating Iran will stop attacks if Israel halts airstrikes by 4 a.m. Tehran time. Although Israel has not confirmed, no strikes have been reported since the deadline.
Quick Looks
- Trump claims Israel–Iran agreed to a 24‑hour ceasefire.
- Iran demands Israeli airstrikes end by 4 a.m. Tehran time.
- Military de-escalation: shelters lifted, missile sirens cease.
- U.S. role: Trump, Vance, Rubio, special envoy engaged.
- Wider impact: Gulf airspace, evacuation of U.S. citizens, diplomacy.
Deep Look
In a defining geopolitical maneuver, President Donald Trump announced a phased 24-hour ceasefire agreement between Israel and Iran, claiming both nations have committed to a “complete and total ceasefire” to be implemented gradually. This announcement came amid the backdrop of escalating conflict following U.S. airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities and Iran’s retaliatory missile attacks.
According to Trump, Iran would stop firing missiles by midnight Tuesday EST, followed by Israel halting its airstrikes 12 hours later. If both sides adhere to this timeline, the war—dubbed by Trump as the “12-Day War”—would officially conclude within 24 hours. Trump’s framing of the conflict draws parallels to the 1967 Six-Day War, invoking historical weight and signaling a potential inflection point for the region.
Iran’s Conditional Commitment
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi clarified that Tehran had not entered into a formal agreement but offered a conditional pause: if Israel ceased airstrikes by 4 a.m. local time, Iran would stop launching missiles. Araghchi emphasized this was not a negotiated peace deal but a unilateral position meant to deescalate tensions.
“As of now, there is NO ‘agreement’ on any ceasefire… However, provided that the Israeli regime stops its illegal aggression against the Iranian people no later than 4 a.m. Tehran time, we have no intention to continue our response afterwards,” he posted on X.
Though Israel has not publicly confirmed the ceasefire, there were no airstrikes reported after 4 a.m., and Israeli authorities lifted public shelter advisories, suggesting an end to immediate military activity.
Trump’s Direct Role in Ceasefire Talks
White House officials confirmed that President Trump personally engaged with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, facilitating the groundwork for the ceasefire. Vice President J.D. Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Special Envoy Steve Witkoff played active roles in communicating with Iranian intermediaries through direct and indirect diplomatic channels.
The Qatari government was instrumental in brokering these discussions. Trump’s administration credits the U.S. airstrikes on three Iranian nuclear facilities over the weekend as a turning point that pushed both Iran and Israel to consider a ceasefire.
Trump posted on Truth Social:
“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.’”
Military Engagements and Regional Disruption
Leading up to the ceasefire, Israeli airstrikes targeted Tehran and surrounding areas, including high-value strategic locations like Evin Prison, Revolutionary Guard facilities, and government complexes.
Iran responded by launching 19 missiles at Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, which hosts U.S. military personnel. Qatari defenses intercepted all but one missile, which hit the base without causing casualties. Trump confirmed that Iran gave advance warning of the missile strike, allowing U.S. forces to prepare and avoid casualties.
Regional Fallout and Strategic Vulnerabilities
Qatar temporarily closed its airspace, affecting civilian air travel and prompting international concern. Qatar Airways resumed operations Tuesday, signaling a tentative return to stability. Simultaneously, the U.S. evacuated over 250 American citizens and family members from Israel through government-organized flights.
Amid fears that Iran might attempt to block the Strait of Hormuz, President Trump called on U.S. and allied oil producers to ramp up crude output, warning that any disruption could drive oil prices to $130 per barrel and spark global inflation.
“To the Department of Energy: DRILL, BABY, DRILL!!! And I mean NOW!!!” Trump posted, pushing for immediate oil market stabilization.
Global Response: UN, EU, and Regional Actors
In response to the U.S. strikes, Russia, China, and Pakistan circulated a UN Security Council resolution condemning the bombing of Iranian nuclear sites and calling for an immediate ceasefire. The U.S. is expected to veto the resolution, but negotiations continue.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres and the EU’s foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas both emphasized the urgent need to deescalate and return to diplomacy. The EU warned that any closure of the Strait of Hormuz would have catastrophic economic implications.
Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed solidarity with Iran during a Kremlin meeting with FM Araghchi, denouncing the U.S. action as “unprovoked aggression.”
Intelligence Insights and Nuclear Site Damage
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) confirmed “very significant damage” at Iran’s Fordo underground enrichment site following U.S. strikes. Former Israeli security officials suggested Iran may have safeguarded enriched uranium by storing it in canisters, minimizing losses.
Outlook and Continued Risks
Despite Trump’s assertive messaging, questions remain about the durability of the ceasefire. Israeli military sources have warned of further strikes in the coming days, and Iran’s Revolutionary Guard has vowed to retaliate if provoked again.
Vice President Vance characterized the crisis as a “reset moment” for the Middle East, declaring the U.S. had demonstrated it will not allow Iran to develop nuclear weapons unchallenged.
Whether this marks a lasting ceasefire or a temporary lull in conflict will depend on compliance from both Israel and Iran—and whether regional diplomacy can take hold before another spark reignites full-scale war.
Israel‑Iran Israel‑Iran Israel‑Iran Israel‑Iran
You must Register or Login to post a comment.