Trump Declares Iran-Israel Ceasefire in Effect Amid Conflicting Claims

US President Donald Trump on Tuesday announced that a ceasefire between Iran and Israel had officially taken effect, urging both nations to abide by the agreement following nearly two weeks of escalating conflict.

“THE CEASEFIRE IS NOW IN EFFECT. PLEASE DO NOT VIOLATE IT!” Trump posted emphatically on his Truth Social platform, adding that the truce would follow a phased 24-hour implementation plan.

According to Trump, Iran would halt all operations first at around 0400 GMT Tuesday, with Israel expected to follow 12 hours later.

However, the situation on the ground remained volatile, with four Israelis reported killed in an Iranian missile strike around the time the ceasefire was meant to take effect. Israeli emergency services confirmed that three people died in Beersheba, while a fourth casualty was reported later. Iran’s state media had earlier broadcast reports of waves of missiles launched toward Israeli targets.

Despite Trump’s declaration, neither Iran nor Israel formally confirmed the ceasefire agreement. Just hours before the US leader’s announcement, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi dismissed claims of any official deal:
“As of now, there is NO ‘agreement’ on ceasefire or cessation of military operations,” Araghchi posted on social media.

However, he signaled a conditional pause in Iran’s response, stating:
“Provided that the Israeli regime stops its illegal aggression against the Iranian people no later than 4 am Tehran time, we have no intention to continue our response afterwards.”

Still, hostilities continued as air raid sirens blared in northern Israel, shortly after Iranian state broadcaster IRIB reported that missiles were en route to Israeli territory. Meanwhile, Tehran experienced renewed explosions overnight, with AFP journalists describing the blasts as some of the most intense since the war began on June 13, following Israeli “preemptive” strikes on Iranian nuclear and military installations.

The conflict has so far left more than 400 dead in Iran according to its Health Ministry, while 24 people have died in Israel, as per official sources.

US Base Targeted Amid Truce Talks

Hours before the supposed ceasefire, Iran also launched missiles at the Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, the largest US military facility in the Middle East. President Trump downplayed the attack, calling it “very weak” and noting that Tehran had given advance notice, suggesting a calibrated move.

“This was calibrated and telegraphed in a way that would not result in any American casualties, so that there is an off ramp for both sides,” said Ali Vaez, senior advisor at the International Crisis Group.

Iran’s National Security Council confirmed the strike, stating it was “in response to the US aggressive and insolent action against Iran’s nuclear sites and facilities,” and emphasized that “the number of missiles launched was the same as the number of bombs that the US had used.”

While Iran claimed the assault was not aimed at Qatar, the Qatari government condemned the move as “blatant aggression”, asserting its right to a “proportional” response. Explosions were reported in Doha and Lusail, with witnesses seeing projectiles streaking across the night sky.

As tensions peaked, Qatar closed its airspace temporarily, while the US embassy and other foreign missions urged citizens to shelter in place.

Global Alarm Over Escalation

World leaders have expressed mounting concern over the conflict’s potential to spiral into a broader regional war. French President Emmanuel Macron urged for calm, stating:
“The spiral of chaos must end.”

Meanwhile, China issued warnings over the economic risks of prolonged instability in the Middle East.

Ceasefire in Doubt

Despite Trump’s public declaration, the situation remains fluid and fragile. The ceasefire if holding has not been acknowledged by the primary parties involved. The next 24 hours will be pivotal in determining whether a de-escalation can be sustained or whether the region edges closer to a wider conflict.

CHANNELS/AFP