WASHINGTON, D.C. – President Donald Trump announced a breakthrough ceasefire agreement between Israel and Iran on Monday, aiming to end a 12-day series of military exchanges that threatened to destabilize the Middle East.
Breaking: Ceasefire Agreement Reached
In a post on Truth Social, President Trump declared that both nations have agreed to a “Complete and Total CEASEFIRE” within the next 24 hours. This announcement comes after intense air and missile strikes exchanged between the two countries. While the president did not provide specific details of the agreement, he emphasized that both sides would remain “PEACEFUL and RESPECTFUL.”
Immediate Impact and Reactions
Trump’s announcement suggested that the conflict had caused minimal damage, claiming that 13 Iranian missiles were intercepted and only one went astray. He thanked Iran for providing “early notice” of their counterstrikes, suggesting a de-escalation of tensions between Tehran and Washington.
“CONGRATULATIONS WORLD, IT’S TIME FOR PEACE!” Trump exclaimed in his series of posts.
Officials from the Department of Defense confirmed that Al Udeid Air Force Base was targeted by ballistic missiles, yet no casualties were reported. Meanwhile, Bahrain closed its airspace and warned citizens to avoid main roads after air raid sirens sounded.
Key Details Emerge
In televised remarks, Iran claimed responsibility for the attack, describing it as a “mighty and successful response” to American strikes. The Iranian government assured that the strike posed no danger to Qatar, thanks to prior warnings given to minimize casualties.
Iranian officials, cited by The New York Times, confirmed that Qatar was informed in advance to prevent harm.
Qatar’s Foreign Ministry condemned the attack, asserting their air defenses intercepted the missiles. Additional reports indicated that Israel targeted routes leading to Iran’s Fordow nuclear facility, among other strategic sites.
Regional and Global Reactions
Russian President Vladimir Putin criticized the U.S. military’s actions as “unprovoked,” following a meeting with Iran’s Foreign Minister in Moscow. This marks a shift from Russia’s initial muted response. Meanwhile, China’s foreign ministry condemned the strikes, calling them a violation of international law.
China’s ambassador to the UN stated, “Iran is harmed, but also harmed is U.S. credibility.”
Iranian military officials have vowed a “decisive response” to U.S. actions, with threats of activating sleeper cells for potential attacks.
What Comes Next
The U.S. Navy-led Joint Maritime Information Center issued a warning about elevated maritime threat levels in the Arabian Gulf. Despite the tensions, U.S.-associated vessels have navigated the Strait of Hormuz without incident.
President Trump claimed the U.S. strikes inflicted “Monumental Damage” on Iran’s nuclear sites, supported by satellite imagery.
Looking ahead, Vice President JD Vance assured that the U.S. is not seeking regime change in Iran, focusing instead on dismantling its nuclear program. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth described the operation as a “precision strike,” emphasizing that the mission was not aimed at regime change.
Background Context
Recent military actions have heightened global tensions, with Israel confirming strikes on Iranian targets and Iran launching missiles at Israel. The conflict has resulted in casualties on both sides, escalating fears of a broader regional conflict.
As the situation develops, international leaders continue to urge restraint and diplomatic solutions to prevent further escalation.
The ceasefire agreement marks a significant step towards de-escalation, yet the path to lasting peace remains uncertain. The international community watches closely as both nations navigate this fragile truce.
