In a dramatic turn of events, former U.S. President Donald Trump announced a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Iran following nearly two weeks of escalating conflict, which he dubbed the “12-Day War.” The announcement came via his social media platform on June 23, declaring a phased ceasefire that would begin immediately with Iran halting its attacks, followed by Israel 12 hours later.
Trump claimed that the ceasefire was brokered through Moroccan mediation with the help of Qatar and was triggered by what he described as “powerful and precise” U.S. airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities. He urged both sides to comply, stating, “The ceasefire is now in effect. Please do not violate it!”
However, within hours of the announcement, reports from Israel contradicted the peaceful message. Several waves of Iranian missile strikes targeted southern Israel, with the city of Beersheba bearing the brunt of the attack. At least three civilians were killed in what has become the deadliest single strike on Israeli territory since the outbreak of the conflict. Air raid sirens continued to sound in other major cities, including Tel Aviv, signaling that hostilities had not subsided on the ground.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that while Iran was willing to halt attacks if Israel ceased its operations by 4 a.m. local time, no formal agreement had been signed. The lack of official confirmation from both Tehran and Jerusalem has left the status of the ceasefire unclear. Israeli officials have so far refrained from publicly endorsing or acknowledging the ceasefire terms announced by Trump.
Further complicating the situation, Iranian forces launched missiles targeting the U.S. Al-Udeid Air Base in Qatar, most of which were intercepted without causing casualties. Additional drone attacks hit radar installations at U.S.-aligned bases in Iraq, again causing only material damage.
Despite the military tensions, global markets responded positively to Trump’s announcement. Oil prices dropped nearly 3 percent, with Brent crude falling to \$69.40 per barrel, and the S&P 500 edged up by 0.4 percent as investors welcomed the prospect of easing tensions in the Middle East.
Diplomatic efforts to solidify the truce remain underway, with Qatar and U.S. envoys continuing backchannel communications. The European Union has resumed indirect nuclear talks with Iran in Geneva, which had been suspended at the onset of the conflict. Inside Iran, pressure is reportedly mounting from moderate political factions to de-escalate the crisis, although the Iranian leadership has warned that cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) may be suspended and new enrichment facilities may be established if hostilities resume.
The situation remains fluid and volatile. While Trump’s ceasefire declaration has brought a temporary sense of relief to markets and raised hopes for peace, the reality on the ground tells a more complicated story. With no official ceasefire document signed and continued military actions reported, the prospects for a sustained peace remain uncertain.