President Trump said on Truth Social that the phased truce will begin after final missions wrap up and officially end the 12-day war between the two countries
Washington, DC (High Desert News Online) – President Donald Trump announced a complete and total ceasefire agreement between Israel and Iran on his Truth Social platform Monday, saying the phased truce would mark an official end to the 12-day war that threatened to engulf the Middle East.
Phased “Complete and Total Ceasefire” Details
Trump outlined that the ceasefire would take effect roughly six hours after his announcement, allowing both Israel and Iran to finish any ongoing operations before hostilities halt. He specified that the truce would initially last for 12 hours, at which point the conflict would be considered over. According to Trump, Iran agreed to stand down once Israel ceased its strikes by 4 a.m. Tehran time, after which both sides would remain “peaceful and respectful.” The White House reposted Trump’s message, emphasizing that this outcome validated his decision to bomb Iranian nuclear sites in support of Israel’s actions.
Background of the 12-Day Conflict
The brief but intense confrontation began when Israel, backed by U.S. air power, struck Iranian nuclear and military facilities over concerns Tehran was nearing a weapons-grade uranium threshold. In response, Iran launched symbolic missile attacks on U.S. bases in Qatar, warning in advance to minimize civilian casualties and signaling a desire to de-escalate rather than provoke a broader war. Although Iran’s missiles were largely intercepted without casualties, the strikes underscored the precariousness of U.S. forces stationed in the region. Prior to the ceasefire, Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi conditioned any truce on Israel ending its operations, highlighting diplomatic friction even as talks progressed.
Reactions from Key Players
Iran’s government issued a cautious welcome, with one senior official confirming Iran’s agreement but the foreign minister stopping short of declaring an official halt until Israeli actions ceased. Israeli officials remained publicly silent immediately after the announcement, though no further strikes were reported past the ceasefire deadline. Vice President J.D. Vance praised the outcome on Fox News, framing it as a testament to Trump’s “stamina, courage, and intelligence” in foreign policy. International reactions were mixed: Qatar, which brokered the talks, hailed the agreement, while European allies urged both sides to build on the ceasefire to revive broader nuclear diplomacy.
Impact on U.S. and Regional Stability
A lasting Israel Iran ceasefire could relieve millions of refugees who fled Tehran during the conflict and stabilize oil markets that spiked on fears of regional escalation. U.S. military analysts noted that the cessation of hostilities would allow American forces to refocus on counterterrorism missions in Iraq and Syria. Gulf states, including the UAE and Saudi Arabia, cautiously welcomed the pause, seeing an opportunity to strengthen ties with both Washington and Tehran. However, experts warn that without a follow-on diplomatic framework, the truce may prove temporary and leave underlying tensions unresolved.
Looking Ahead
Trump’s claim that this “official end” to the war could solidify his foreign-policy legacy as a mix of force and diplomacy will be tested if Iran or Israel resumes hostilities. U.S. negotiators hope to leverage the ceasefire to restart talks on Iran’s nuclear program, though Tehran insists its peaceful enrichment goals remain intact. Congressional leaders signaled interest in codifying the truce into law, proposing resolutions to ensure continued U.S. support for Middle East peace initiatives. As both capitals prepare for the aftermath, the world watches to see if the “complete and total ceasefire” can endure beyond its initial 12-hour window.
