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🇺🇸 Trump’s Bold Declaration: Ceasefire Begins in Phases
On June 23, 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump used his Truth Social platform to announce a “complete and total ceasefire” between Israel and Iran. According to Trump, the agreement—including a phased, 24‑hour ceasefire—would unfold as follows:
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Hour 0–6: Both nations finalize remaining missions.
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Hour 6–18: Iran halts offensive actions.
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Hour 18–30: Israel follows suit.
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After Hour 30: The war is officially over, marking the end of the so‑called “12‑Day War.”
Trump congratulated both nations for their perceived "stamina, courage and intelligence", touting it as a historic global moment. He credited negotiations through Qatari mediation and his direct conversations with Prime Minister Netanyahu.
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| A missile launched from Iran towards Israel seen from Hebron in the occupied West Bank. Israel and Iran both launched attacks after Donald Trump announced the two countries had negotiated a ceasefire. |
⚠️ Iran & Israel Push Back: Ceasefire Not Confirmed
Despite Trump’s optimistic announcement, Iran and Israel have made no official confirmation:
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Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi denied any formal agreement, stating that no ceasefire proposal had been received and insisted Iran would only cease fire if Israel stopped “illegal aggression” by 4 a.m. Tehran time, with the final decision still pending.
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Israel’s government and military have offered no response, though Israeli media hints at conditional readiness—contingent upon Iran halting missile attacks.
Meanwhile, hostilities persisted overnight, with explosions in Tehran and Iran launching missiles at Israeli territory, though no casualties were reported.
📉 Market Impact & Regional Fallout
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Oil prices fell sharply, dropping from over $80 to under $70 per barrel in Asia, as markets reacted to the ceasefire announcement, anticipating reduced risk.
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Global diplomacy intensified: Russia, China and Pakistan rallied for a UN resolution condemning U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear sites.
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European talks resumed in Geneva on June 20, but were paused due to the conflict, signaling the fragility of nuclear diplomacy.
🕊️ Diplomatic Stakes & Next Moves
Qatar’s Role as Mediator
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Qatar’s Emir was reportedly pivotal in brokering talks: Trump directly thanked Qatar, saying mediation was instrumental.
U.S. Leverage Through Military Actions
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The U.S. destruction of three Iranian nuclear facilities (Fordow, Natanz, Isfahan) under Operation Midnight Hammer preceded Trump's announcement. Vice President JD Vance cited this as a deterrent to future nuclear development.
Iran’s Nuclear Negotiations
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Diplomatic channels in Geneva, involving EU powers and Oman-mediated talks, were already in place by June 20. These negotiations were disrupted by the strikes and remain on hold.
Prospects for a Lasting Peace
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A sustainable ceasefire hinges on formal, verifiable commitments by Israel and Iran.
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Both sides demand mutual cessation of military activity as preconditions.
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The role of regional powers and global institutions, including the UN and European intermediaries, will be critical in facilitating lasting de-escalation and preventing renewed aggression.
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| Emergency personnel work at an impacted residential site, following a missile attack from Iran on Israel, amid the Israel-Iran conflict in Be'er Sheva, Israel 24 June, 2025. |
🔚 Final Analysis
While President Trump declared the “12-Day War” over with a phased ceasefire, official actors on both sides remain silent or skeptical. The next steps hinge on concrete diplomatic signals, including:
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Israel halting strikes, formally and publicly.
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Iran responding in kind, backed by verified messaging.
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Third-party monitoring, possibly from Qatar, UN, or U.S./EU observers.
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Resumption of nuclear talks to prevent future flare-ups.
Until these steps occur, the ceasefire remains an aspirational concept rather than a confirmed fact—and full de-escalation is still uncertain. For now, the region remains on high alert, awaiting either reaffirmation or collapse of the announced truce.