TEHRAN, Jun 24(Alliance News): Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on Tuesday dismissed U.S. President Donald Trump’s claim of a ceasefire agreement between Iran and Israel, stating that no such formal deal had been reached.
Araghchi, however, hinted that Iran might halt further military operations if Israel ceased its “illegal aggression” by 4 a.m. Tehran time (0030 GMT).
“The final decision on the cessation of our military operations will be made later,” Araghchi posted on social media platform X. He added that Iranian Armed Forces had continued their retaliatory operations “until the very last minute, at 4 a.m.”
The statement came in stark contrast to President Trump’s earlier announcement, in which he declared that Iran and Israel had agreed to a “Complete and Total CEASEFIRE,” set to unfold in a phased manner beginning around 0400 GMT Tuesday.
According to Trump, Iran would begin the ceasefire unilaterally, with Israel following suit 12 hours later. Trump expressed hope that the 12-day conflict would officially conclude within 24 hours, marking what he called a moment to be “saluted by the world.”
Despite Trump’s announcement, explosions were reported across northern and central Tehran overnight. AFP journalists described the blasts as some of the most powerful since the onset of hostilities, underscoring the fragile and uncertain nature of any potential ceasefire.
The conflict erupted after Israel launched preemptive airstrikes on Iranian nuclear and military sites on June 13, prompting a series of retaliatory strikes that rapidly drew the region into a dangerous spiral of violence. Over the weekend, the U.S. escalated the conflict by deploying 30,000-pound bunker-busting bombs on Iran’s underground uranium enrichment facilities.
Iran responded by firing missiles at the U.S. military’s largest base in the Middle East — Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar.
Although no casualties were reported, the attack triggered condemnation from Doha, which described Iran’s strike as a “blatant aggression” and warned of a proportional response.
President Trump characterized Iran’s strike on the U.S. base as “very weak,” downplaying its severity and noting that Tehran had given advance warning, allowing for evacuation.
“This was calibrated and telegraphed in a way that would not result in any American casualties, so that there is an off-ramp for both sides,” Ali Vaez of the International Crisis Group told AFP.
Iran’s National Security Council said the number of missiles it fired matched the number of bombs used by the U.S., suggesting a deliberate attempt to avoid further escalation while signaling resolve. Six ballistic missiles reportedly struck the Al Udeid base, which had been vacated in advance.
In Qatar, explosions were heard across central Doha and Lusail, with projectiles visibly streaking across the sky. The Qatari government temporarily closed its airspace due to the regional developments, while the U.S. Embassy and other foreign missions advised their citizens to shelter in place.
Back in Tehran, state television broadcast images of Iranians celebrating in the streets, waving flags and chanting anti-American slogans. Yet the mood was underscored by uncertainty, as Israeli military continued to warn residents in central Tehran to evacuate in anticipation of further strikes targeting Iranian military infrastructure.
According to Iran’s health ministry, more than 400 people have died in Israeli strikes on Iranian soil since the beginning of the conflict. Iranian attacks on Israel have reportedly killed 24 people, based on official Israeli figures.
As global concern mounts over the potential for a broader regional war, world leaders have called for immediate de-escalation. French President Emmanuel Macron emphasized that “the spiral of chaos must end,” while China warned of possible global economic consequences if the conflict continues unchecked.
While Trump’s ceasefire announcement offered a glimmer of hope, Iran’s categorical rejection of any formal agreement, coupled with ongoing military exchanges, suggests that a return to calm remains elusive.
The coming hours are likely to be decisive in determining whether the region inches toward peace or plunges deeper into chaos.
