Trump announced a “total ceasefire” between Israel and Iran after 12 days of fighting
In a late-night update on Truth Social, U.S. President Donald Trump confirmed that Israel and Iran had agreed to a ceasefire, officially ending what he dubbed the “12-Day War.” He described the truce as “complete and total,” claiming it could even “last forever.”
Markets instantly reacted—oil prices dropped and global stocks soared, with many hoping the calm would last. But within hours, signs of a breakdown were already emerging.
Israel’s Defence Minister, Israel Katz, made headlines early Tuesday by claiming Tehran fired two missiles shortly after the ceasefire took effect. According to Katz, the Israeli military intercepted the missiles, calling the incident a “clear breach” of the deal.
“The IDF will resume full military operations targeting Iranian regime bases and terror networks,” Katz declared.
He said the move was made with the full backing of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Iran swiftly pushed back. State-linked agencies ISNA and Nour News denied that any missiles were launched, labelling Israel’s claims as “fabricated.”
A senior Iranian official speaking to CNN insisted Iran had honoured the ceasefire and warned:
“If Israel makes another wrong move, every inch of the occupied territories will burn.”
Iran also argued that the ceasefire was not a sign of weakness, but rather a forced retreat by Israel, claiming they had “unilaterally accepted defeat.”
Qatar, China and the Fragile Balance
Diplomatic sources say Qatar played a crucial role in bringing both sides to the table. Global powers, including China, have praised the deal and urged both nations to avoid further violence.
However, many analysts are cautious. Ceasefires in the Middle East are notoriously unstable, and the swift return of accusations shows just how fragile this one is.
The agreement follows days of deadly exchanges—starting with U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, which prompted retaliatory missile attacks on American bases, including one in Qatar.
Interestingly, Trump later thanked Iran for warning the U.S. before striking, calling it a “face-saving move.”
Inside Israel, leaders are clashing over the next steps. Opposition leader Yair Lapid wants a shift of focus to Gaza and rescuing hostages. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich is calling the Iran strikes a “huge success” and wants a new offensive in Gaza. Avigdor Lieberman, former Defence Minister, warned that Iran isn’t done, likening them to a “wounded lion.”
Will the Truce Survive the First 24 Hours?
By Tuesday night, no new attacks had been confirmed, but the air remains tense. Israel insists Iran crossed the line. Iran says it hasn’t.
Whether this uneasy silence holds or spirals into more bloodshed will depend on what both sides choose to do next.
The world watches nervously, hoping for peace, preparing for war.
