Middle East, 24 June 2025 – U.S. President Donald Trump declared a “complete and total” ceasefire between Israel and Iran following a 12-day escalation of cross-border strikes . The announcement came after intense U.S. airstrikes—dubbed “Operation Midnight Hammer”—on Iranian nuclear facilities in Fordow, Natanz, and Esfahan, followed by Iran’s retaliatory missile attack on the U.S. Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar and missile volleys into Israel
Timeline of Key Events
- U.S. & Israeli Strikes (13–23 June): U.S. and Israeli forces targeted Iranian nuclear installations (Fordow, Natanz, Esfahan). Iran responded with ballistic missile launches against Israel and the U.S. base in Qatar.
- Iran’s Qatar Strike (23 June): Iranian IRGC fired short- and medium-range ballistic missiles at Al Udeid Base. Qatari air defenses intercepted the barrage, and U.S. officials confirmed no casualties. Trump described the attack as “a very weak response” and commended early warning systems
- Trump’s Ceasefire Claim (23 June): Via Truth Social, Trump announced a phased ceasefire: Iran stops first, followed by Israel about 12 hours later Qatar reportedly mediated discussions between leaders.
- Mixed Reactions (24 June): Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi confirmed Tehran would halt attacks only if Israel did first, and explicitly denied any formal ceasefire agreement Israel also has not confirmed participation .
Diplomatic Dynamics & Regional Impact
- Trump’s Position: Framing the ceasefire as a diplomatic milestone, Trump attributed it to U.S. initiative and military pressure
- Iran’s Stance: Despite tactical missile launches, Iran maintains it won’t fully halt operations until Israeli airstrikes cease
- Israel’s Silence: No public response yet from Netanyahu’s government; following Trump’s statement, missile fire—particularly into Be’er Sheva—has reportedly continued .
- Regional Atmosphere: Six waves of Iranian missiles reached Israel, killing at least three in Be’er Sheva Airspace subject to disruptions and widespread evacuation alerts during peak attacks.
Why It Matters
- Ceasefire Ambiguity: The lack of confirmation from both Israel and Iran casts doubt on the actual implementation of any pause in hostilities.
- U.S. Credibility at Stake: Trump positions the ceasefire as proof of American diplomatic prowess—but it hinges on trust and follow-through.
- Potential Flashpoints Remaining: With Iranian missiles still landing in Israel and continued airstrikes, the ceasefire may remain fragile.
What to Watch
1. Israeli and Iranian Official Statements
Araghchi insists Iran will stop “if Israel stops first”—no timeline yet . Israel’s government remains publicly silent.
2. Regional Mediation Efforts
Qatar is actively involved, with its Prime Minister mediating directly with Trump and Iranian leaders
3. Ground-Level Enforcement
Even with a ceasefire agreement, both sides may continue limited operations—evidenced by ongoing missile launches and airstrikes.
Bottom Line
Trump’s ceasefire announcement aimed to end the “12-Day War” and frame the U.S. as a decisive peace broker. But with no formal sign-off from Israel or Iran, and hostilities still ongoing on the ground, the ceasefire remains unstable and contested.
Read Also: Iran Strikes the US Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar
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