Tehran/Washington, Jun 24 (Alliance News): The ceasefire between Iran and Israel, brokered by former U.S. President Donald Trump, has officially gone into effect, marking a potential end to 12 days of hostilities that threatened to plunge the Middle East into a broader conflict.
While Iran had already initiated the cessation of hostilities, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu formally confirmed the ceasefire after a period of notable silence.
According to Iranian state media, the ceasefire began following four missile strikes on Israel.
Citizens across Iran celebrated the announcement, flooding the streets, waving national flags, and chanting in support of the armed forces.
Iran’s semi-official Tasnim news agency and Press TV broadcast the declaration, hailing it as a national victory.
On the Israeli side, the media confirmed the opening of the country’s airspace—a strong indicator of a de-escalation.
Netanyahu’s office, after hours of public silence, issued a statement acknowledging the ceasefire, warning, however, that any breach would be met with a “strong and immediate response” and reaffirming that Israel would make no compromise on national security.
The ceasefire followed Donald Trump’s dramatic declaration on his Truth Social platform. Trump revealed that both sides had agreed to a phased de-escalation process: Iran would halt its operations first, with Israel following 12 hours later. At the 24-hour mark, the war would be officially declared over.
“It has been fully agreed by and between Israel and Iran that there will be a Complete and Total CEASEFIRE,” Trump wrote.
He added that the world should salute the end of the conflict and that both parties had committed to “peaceful and respectful” behavior during the phased implementation.
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, while denying that a formal written agreement had been reached, confirmed that Iran had no intention of continuing military operations as long as Israel halted its aggression.
“If Israel stops its illegal aggression, Iran will not respond further,” he said in a post on social media. He emphasized that the final decision on military operations would be made later, but noted that Iranian forces had completed their retaliatory actions by 4 a.m. local time.
General Mohammad Pakpour, head of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps, congratulated the nation and the families of those killed in the recent conflict.
He described the ceasefire as a “victory born of national unity and sacrifice,” and warned that any future aggression would be met with a “befitting response.”
The ceasefire was reportedly facilitated through Qatari mediation. According to Iranian and U.S. sources, Trump and Vice President JD Vance had asked the Emir of Qatar to help convince Iran to agree to the ceasefire after Israel expressed willingness to halt attacks.
Following Qatar’s diplomatic outreach, Iran agreed to the truce, and Qatari leaders received public thanks from Trump for their role in preventing further escalation.
Trump, in his address and social media posts, noted that the Iranian retaliation after the U.S. airstrikes on Iranian nuclear sites had been “very weak.” Of the 14 missiles launched by Iran at the U.S. Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, 13 were intercepted, with no casualties reported.
Trump thanked Iran for providing advance notice of the missile strike and downplayed the damage, calling the Iranian response “calibrated.”
He also confirmed that the U.S. strikes on Iran’s nuclear infrastructure were highly effective. “The sites we targeted in Iran were completely destroyed,” he claimed, asserting that only “fake news” would argue otherwise.
Despite the U.S. role in the conflict, Trump’s posturing has emphasized restraint and a desire to avoid further entanglement.
He portrayed the ceasefire as a diplomatic triumph and a testament to his leadership. “The world and the Middle East are winners,” Trump wrote. “If Iran and Israel stay on the right path, they both have a prosperous future.”
While Israel has officially acknowledged the ceasefire, Netanyahu’s delay in making a public statement drew attention.
Observers described him as “stunned” in the hours leading up to his eventual announcement. Critics speculated that internal political pressures and the swift shift in public and international sentiment may have contributed to the initial silence.
Meanwhile, celebrations erupted across Iran, with thousands taking to the streets in Tehran and other cities. Revolutionary Guard forces were praised by both the media and citizens, and slogans such as “Death to America” and “Victory for the Martyrs” echoed through the crowds.
International observers have welcomed the ceasefire, though many remain cautious. The European Union, France, and China have all called for a lasting resolution and warned that any violations could reignite tensions.
Qatar, which played a central role in facilitating communication, has called for continued diplomatic engagement to prevent future flare-ups.
As the 24-hour phased ceasefire moves forward, the eyes of the world remain fixed on the Middle East, hoping that this fragile peace can hold and evolve into a longer-term diplomatic solution.
