WASHINGTON D.C. — U.S. President Donald Trump has announced a “complete and total ceasefire” agreement between Israel and Iran, signaling a potential end to the most dangerous escalation in the Middle East in recent years.
The ceasefire, which Trump said was agreed upon by both parties, is expected to begin six hours from the announcement, with Iran initiating the truce, followed by Israel 12 hours later.
The war, which lasted 12 days, will be officially declared over at the 24-hour mark, Trump said in a statement shared on Truth Social and reposted by the White House’s official X handle.
“Congratulations to everyone!” Trump wrote. “It has been fully agreed by and between Israel and Iran that there will be a complete and total CEASEFIRE… At which point the war will be considered ENDED!”
The announcement comes just two days after U.S. forces bombed Iran’s key nuclear facilities at Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan, and a day after Iran retaliated with a missile strike on the U.S. Al-Udeid base in Qatar, a move condemned by Qatar as a violation of its sovereignty.
Trump described the ceasefire as a diplomatic breakthrough, praising both nations for what he called their “stamina, courage, and intelligence” in choosing to end hostilities.
“This is a war that could have gone on for years and destroyed the entire Middle East—but it didn’t, and never will!” Trump wrote, adding, “God bless Israel, God bless Iran, God bless the Middle East, God bless the United States of America, and GOD BLESS THE WORLD!”
A Fragile but Historic Pause
According to Trump, the ceasefire will be carried out in two phases:
- Phase 1: Iran will cease hostilities immediately (within six hours of the announcement).
- Phase 2: Israel will begin its ceasefire at the 12-hour mark.
- Phase 3: Upon reaching the 24th hour, the war will be officially declared over, with mutual recognition of peace.
During the staggered truce, each side has agreed to remain “peaceful and respectful,” a condition Trump emphasized as essential to a smooth transition from combat to calm.
While Trump’s declaration is significant, analysts remain cautious, warning that tensions remain high and the ceasefire’s success will depend on verification, trust, and restraint from both sides.
The conflict had already disrupted oil markets, shuttered airspace across the Gulf, and raised fears of a major U.S.-Iran showdown in Iraq, Bahrain, and Qatar.
If the truce holds, it could pave the way for broader talks on nuclear disarmament, regional security, and the reactivation of diplomatic ties.
