A complete ceasefire between Israel and Iran was announced by U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday, signaling a pause in the intense 12-day conflict. Iran’s Revolutionary Guards reportedly launched two missile volleys toward Israel in the early hours of Tuesday, with explosions heard near Tel Aviv and Beersheba. Israeli media confirmed that strikes on a building in Beersheba killed three civilians.
What led to this ceasefire?
Trump stated on Truth Social, “On the assumption that everything works as it should, which it will, I would like to congratulate both Countries, Israel and Iran, on having the Stamina, Courage, and Intelligence to end, what should be called ‘THE 12 DAY WAR’.” An Iranian official confirmed Tehran agreed to a ceasefire, provided Israel halted its attacks by 4 a.m. Tehran time. Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi stressed that “The final decision on the cessation of our military operations will be made later.”
This pause followed Israeli and U.S. airstrikes against Iran’s nuclear facilities, aimed at curbing Tehran’s nuclear capabilities. Iran asserts it never pursued nuclear weapons and maintains its civilian program. Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei noted that if Israel or the U.S. chose to militarily challenge Iran’s civilian projects, “they wouldn’t be able to stop us.”
Who helped broker this agreement?
Trump brokered the deal in calls with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu. Qatar’s Prime Minister, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, also engaged Iranian officials during the negotiation. Senior U.S. officials, including Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and envoy Steve Witkoff, coordinated behind the scenes to solidify the agreement.
Following the announcement, stock markets responded positively. S&P 500 futures rose by 0.4%, and crude oil prices fell to their lowest levels in over a week, reflecting reduced fears of regional supply disruption.
While the ceasefire offers a temporary respite, regional tensions remain fragile. Israeli evacuation warnings continued in Tehran, and the Israeli military stayed on high alert in regions like the Golan Heights.
By Lucky Anyanje
