WASHINGTON/DOHA/ISTANBUL — U.S. President Donald Trump has declared a full ceasefire between Israel and Iran, signaling a possible end to the intense 12-day conflict that displaced millions and threatened to destabilize the region.
Despite Trump’s announcement, Israel has not officially confirmed the ceasefire, and early Tuesday, its military reported incoming missiles from Iran. Defensive systems were activated in response.
The recent conflict escalated after the U.S. and Israel targeted Iranian nuclear facilities, with Trump alleging Iran was close to developing a nuclear weapon. In his post on Truth Social, Trump praised both nations for their “Stamina, Courage, and Intelligence” in agreeing to end what he called “THE 12 DAY WAR.”
Iranian officials expressed conditional willingness to halt attacks—if Israel ceased its military actions. Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi stated Iran would stop retaliating if Israeli aggression ended by 4 a.m. Tehran time.
A senior White House official said Trump mediated the agreement with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Qatar’s Prime Minister also played a key role by securing Iran’s consent through high-level talks.
Markets responded positively: S&P 500 futures rose, and oil prices dropped as fears of a prolonged conflict eased.
Still, tensions remain high. Israeli forces issued multiple evacuation alerts in Tehran and activated alarms in the Golan Heights due to potential air threats. Israel has also continued targeting Iranian state infrastructure, including Tehran’s Evin Prison, indicating broader strategic aims.
Vice President JD Vance asserted that the U.S. strikes had crippled Iran’s ability to build nuclear weapons. However, U.S. intelligence reportedly maintains that Iran had not actively pursued a bomb, even before the strikes.