United States President Donald Trump has announced that Iran and Israel have agreed to a “complete and total” ceasefire, set to take effect within hours.
Trump made the declaration on Monday, shortly after Iran launched a missile strike on Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, which hosts U.S. military personnel.
“On the assumption that everything works as it should, which it will, I would like to congratulate both Countries, Israel and Iran, on having the Stamina, Courage, and Intelligence to end, what should be called, ‘THE 12 DAY WAR,’” Trump said in a social media post.
“This is a War that could have gone on for years, and destroyed the entire Middle East, but it didn’t, and never will! God bless Israel, God bless Iran, God bless the Middle East, God bless the United States of America, and GOD BLESS THE WORLD!”
Trump’s message indicated that Iran would halt attacks on Israel hours before Israel concludes its military operations.
Meanwhile, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that Iran would cease its strikes if Israel also stopped. It remains unclear what role Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei played in the negotiations, especially as he earlier declared on social media that Iran would not back down. Israel has yet to publicly affirm any intention to end hostilities.
“As of now, there is NO ‘agreement’ on any ceasefire or cessation of military operations,” Araghchi posted on social media. “However, provided that the Israeli regime stops its illegal aggression against the Iranian people no later than 4 am Tehran time, we have no intention to continue our response afterwards.”
An official source said the Qatari government played a key role in brokering the expected ceasefire. Trump reportedly spoke with Qatar’s emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, to express appreciation for his efforts. Qatar has been a primary mediator in previous ceasefire and hostage negotiations between Israel and Hamas in the ongoing Gaza conflict.
The specific terms of the ceasefire—apart from the timing outlined by the Trump administration—remain unclear.