Trump Announces Ceasefire Between Iran and Israel After 12-Day War

In a significant development in Middle Eastern geopolitics, former U.S. President Donald Trump declared on June 23, 2025, a "complete and total" ceasefire between Iran and Israel, potentially bringing an end to a 12-day conflict that displaced millions in Tehran and heightened fears of further regional escalation. The announcement, made via his platform Truth Social, came after a series of military exchanges that included Israeli strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, which Israel claimed were necessary to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons.

The ceasefire is said to be contingent upon certain conditions, particularly regarding Iranian military actions. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi stated that Iran would cease hostilities if Israel halted its attacks no later than 4 AM Tehran time on June 24. "If Israel stops its illegal aggression against the Iranian people, we have no intention of continuing our response afterwards," Araqchi commented in a social media post. This statement highlights the delicate balance of power and mutual distrust that underpins the conflict.

While Trump claimed credit for brokering the ceasefire, it remains unclear how this agreement will be enforced. A senior White House official indicated that Trump facilitated discussions with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, asserting that Israel would comply as long as Iran refrained from launching further attacks. However, no immediate response from the Israeli government had been reported at the time of the announcement.

The ceasefire comes after a series of intense military operations, including Israeli airstrikes that targeted Iran's nuclear infrastructure, which the Trump administration argued was vital to thwart Iran's alleged ambitions to develop nuclear weapons. U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio were reportedly involved in negotiations with Iranian officials, alongside Qatar's Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, who played a mediating role in gaining Tehran's agreement.

This conflict, dubbed the "12-Day War" by Trump, has led to significant humanitarian crises, with millions fleeing Tehran amid ongoing hostilities. Markets reacted positively to the announcement, with S&P 500 futures rising by 0.4% on June 23 and U.S. crude prices dropping, reflecting easing concerns over potential disruptions in oil supply from the region.

Despite the ceasefire declaration, tensions remain palpable. The Israeli military issued evacuation warnings to residents in Tehran shortly after the announcement, indicating ongoing fears of retaliatory hostilities. Alarms were also activated in southern Israel’s Golan Heights, demonstrating the precarious situation on the ground.

Iran has consistently denied seeking nuclear weapons, with Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei asserting that if it had such intentions, world leaders would be unable to prevent them. Conversely, Israel, believed to be the only nuclear-armed state in the Middle East, has not confirmed or denied possessing nuclear weapons. The ongoing conflict has drawn international scrutiny, particularly regarding compliance with the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), of which Iran is a signatory but Israel is not.

The implications of this ceasefire extend beyond immediate military concerns, potentially reshaping the geopolitical landscape of the Middle East. Experts warn that the resolution of this conflict could affect U.S. foreign policy in the region and influence relations among Middle Eastern states. According to Dr. Sarah Johnson, Professor of Middle Eastern Studies at Georgetown University, "A stable ceasefire could pave the way for future diplomatic engagements, but the underlying issues remain unresolved."

As the ceasefire holds, the international community will be watching closely to see whether it leads to a more lasting peace or if tensions will flare again. The future of U.S.-Iran relations, alongside Israel's security strategy, will likely hinge on the outcomes of this fragile agreement. The evolving situation underscores the necessity for sustained international diplomatic efforts to mitigate conflict and promote stability in the region.