June 24, 2025—In a dramatic turn of events, U.S. President Donald Trump officially declared a ceasefire between Iran and Israel, stating, “THE CEASEFIRE IS NOW IN EFFECT. PLEASE DO NOT VIOLATE IT!”. This truce brings a momentary pause to the 12‑day intense exchange, giving people a glimpse of hope amid the violence.
What Led to Today’s Ceasefire
The ceasefire was brokered by President Trump after a fierce escalation: Israeli and U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear sites and Tehran’s retaliatory missile salvos—some aimed at a U.S. base in Qatar and others directly at Israeli cities like Beersheba.
Trump initially set a timeline: Iran would halt first, then Israel after 12 hours, followed by a full ceasefire after 24 hours.
The Morning of June 24: Violence, Then Silence
Despite the ceasefire announcement, early Tuesday saw renewed missile launches by Iran targeting northern and southern Israel, including Beersheba, where at least four people were killed and several injured. Iran’s state media confirmed it launched “last wave” barrages just before the deadline.
After several salvo waves, missiles ceased—and Israel’s Home Front Command lifted shelter orders, signaling an initial calm . Still, with fresh launches reported after the truce began, the ceasefire remains tenuous.
Official Statements and Reactions
- Trump: Encouraged restraint and praised both nations for ending the “12 day war”.
- Netanyahu: Said Israel agreed to the ceasefire after recognizing Iran’s nuclear and missile threat had been neutralized, but warned of strong retaliation against any violations.
- Iran’s FM Abbas Araghchi: Clarified Iran never formally “agreed” but would refrain from further attacks if Israel stopped its strikes by 4 a.m. Tehran time.
Why It Matters
- Humanitarian Relief: Families across Israel and Iran finally have a reprieve from air‑raid sirens and shelters.
- Regional Stability: The lull eases fears of a wider Middle Eastern war.
- Economic Peace Valve: Oil markets and global supply chains, rattled by the conflict, may find brief calm.
- A Test of Diplomacy: The truce, though fragile, demonstrates that even bitter foes can step back—if only momentarily.
Lingering Doubts and Unresolved Issues
- Ambiguity on Compliance: Iran frames it as conditional; Israel stresses readiness to retaliate. Breaking the ceasefire could reignite fighting within hours.
- Unclear Duration: Trump described a phased approach—12‑hour Iranian halt, followed by Israel, then official peace. But exact timelines and enforcement remain fuzzy.
- Broader Conflict Spillovers: Clashes continue in Gaza and Syria; this ceasefire only addresses the Iran‑Israel front—not other flashpoints.
- Future Talks Needed: A truce is just a pause. Long-term peace depends on back‑channel diplomacy—nuclear talks, regional safety guarantees, and verification steps.
What Comes Next
While the ceasefire brings temporary relief, it is fragile. Key next steps include:
- Monitoring compliance and missile launches after 4 a.m. Tehran time.
- Delivering emergency aid to civilian zones in both nations.
- Starting track‑two diplomacy—backdoor discussions aimed at broader de‑escalation.
- Keeping international observers and media attention focused on discouraging violations.
