Tehran declared it had agreed to a ceasefire twelve days after Israel launched a relentless military campaign against Iran, damaging key nuclear and military sites and killing hundreds of civilians.
“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,’” President Donald Trump wrote on Truth Social.
“It has been fully agreed by and between Israel and Iran that there will be a Complete and Total CEASEFIRE (in approximately 6 hours from now),” he added.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi confirmed that Iran would halt military operations starting at 4:00 a.m. Tehran time on Tuesday.
While he did not use the word “ceasefire,” he said Iran’s response would stop if Israel ceased its aggression.
As the US president hailed peace, Israel intensified its airstrikes on Tehran—and Iran kept firing missiles toward Israel up to the final moments before the agreement took effect, killing four and wounding several others in Beersheba.
Trump returned to Truth Social with a post even more triumphant than the last.
“Israel & Iran came to me, almost simultaneously, and said, ‘PEACE!’” he posted.
“They have so much to gain, and yet, so much to lose if they stray from the road of RIGHTEOUSNESS & TRUTH. The future for Israel & Iran is UNLIMITED, & filled with great PROMISE. GOD BLESS YOU BOTH!”
The deal followed intensive mediation by Qatar, with Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani securing Tehran’s acceptance of Washington’s proposal in a call with Iranian officials.
According to Reuters, the call came after a direct request from Trump to Qatar’s emir, once Israel had agreed to the terms.
Just before the ceasefire took effect, Trump praised the US pilots who struck Iran’s underground nuclear sites last weekend.
“We couldn’t have made today’s ‘deal’ without the talent and courage of our great B-2 pilots," he posted. "In a certain and very ironic way, that perfect ‘hit,’ late in the evening, brought everyone together, and the deal was made!!!”
The agreement appeared to be holding after Iran launched its sixth and final salvo of ballistic missiles early Tuesday morning local time.
In an interview with NBC News, Trump called it “a wonderful day for the world.” Asked how long he believed the ceasefire would last, he replied, 'forever.'
“I don’t believe Israel and Iran will ever be shooting at each other again.”
