In a dramatic announcement, President Donald J. Trump declared that Israel and Iran have agreed to a “Complete and Total CEASEFIRE,” via his Truth Social, set to begin approximately six hours from June 23, 2025, at 6:02 PM ET, potentially halting a conflict dubbed the “12 Day War.” The ceasefire, mediated by the United States and Qatar, aims to end hostilities that escalated with missile exchanges and U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities.
According to Trump, the agreement involves a phased approach: Iran will initiate a 12-hour ceasefire, followed by Israel 12 hours later. By the 24th hour, around midnight ET on June 24, 2025, the war will be officially declared over, provided both sides remain “peaceful and respectful” during the truce. Trump praised Israel and Iran for their “stamina, courage, and intelligence” in averting a prolonged conflict that could have “destroyed the entire Middle East.”
The announcement follows Iran’s retaliatory missile strike on the U.S. Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar on June 23, which caused no casualties due to advance notice from Tehran, a gesture Trump acknowledged. The U.S. had previously targeted Iran’s nuclear sites at Natanz, Fordow, and Isfahan, with Trump claiming “monumental damage” was inflicted. Israel’s strikes on Iranian targets, including Tehran’s Evin prison, and Iran’s attacks on Israeli cities like Tel Aviv, resulted in significant casualties—estimated at 25 Israelis and 639–900 Iranians.
While a senior Iranian official confirmed Tehran’s agreement to the Qatar-mediated ceasefire, neither Israel nor Iran has officially verified the deal. Iran’s Foreign Minister, Seyed Abbas Araghchi, stated on X that no formal agreement exists but indicated Iran would halt responses if Israel ceases attacks by 4 AM Tehran time. Explosions in Tehran and IDF evacuation warnings suggest ongoing military actions, casting uncertainty over the ceasefire’s immediate implementation.
Trump, in an NBC News interview, expressed optimism, calling the ceasefire “unlimited” and a “wonderful day for the world.” Vice President JD Vance emphasized the destruction of Iran’s nuclear capabilities, signaling a push for long-term peace. As the region awaits confirmation, the world watches to see if this truce will end the brief but intense conflict.