Donald Trump announces ceasefire between Israel and Iran, declares end to ‘12 day war’

US President Donald Trump took to Truth Social to announce a breakthrough in the ongoing Middle East crisis, claiming that a "Complete and Total CEASEFIRE" had been agreed upon between Israel and Iran.

According to Trump, the ceasefire will begin in approximately six hours, once both countries conclude their ongoing military operations. “It has been fully agreed by and between Israel and Iran,” he wrote, “that there will be a Complete and Total CEASEFIRE... for 12 hours, at which point the War will be considered, ENDED!”

Sequential ceasefire plan unveiled

Trump outlined a phased ceasefire mechanism. Iran will begin the ceasefire, followed by Israel 12 hours later, culminating in a formal end to hostilities after 24 hours.

“Officially, Iran will start the CEASEFIRE and, upon the 12th Hour, Israel will start the CEASEFIRE and, upon the 24th Hour, an Official END to THE 12 DAY WAR will be saluted by the World,” Trump declared.

A war averted, Trump claims

The US President praised the two nations for halting a conflict that he suggested could have engulfed the entire Middle East. “This is a War that could have gone on for years, and destroyed the entire Middle East, but it didn’t, and never will!” he said.

Trump also lauded the leaders of both countries for their decision to end hostilities: “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.’”

A global message of peace

Ending his post on a note of unity, Trump invoked divine blessings for all parties involved, and for the entire world. “God bless Israel, God bless Iran, God bless the Middle East, God bless the United States of America, and GOD BLESS THE WORLD!” he wrote.

Trump downplays Iran’s missile strike on US base, urges peace

Trump earlier in the day dismissed Iran’s missile strike on a key American air base in Qatar as a “very weak response,” revealing that Tehran had warned Washington in advance and that no injuries were reported. Speaking hours after the attack, Trump also said he would encourage Israel to also “proceed to Peace and Harmony.”

Trump's remarks came amid rising hopes that Iran was signaling a desire to de-escalate, following a weekend of US strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities.

Iran targets US base in Qatar

Iran’s strike on Al Udeid Air Base, which houses the US Combined Air Operations Center and the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing, involved 19 missiles, according to Qatar Maj. Gen. Shayeq Al Hajri. Trump, however, claimed 14 missiles were fired, 13 of which were intercepted, with one allowed to continue because it posed “no threat.”

Iran said its missile count matched the number of bombs dropped by the US during its weekend airstrikes on Iranian nuclear sites. Tehran also stated it deliberately targeted a remote military base, avoiding civilian casualties.

Qatar condemns strike as violation of sovereignty

Qatar issued a sharp condemnation of Iran’s actions, calling the attack a “flagrant violation” of its sovereignty, airspace, and international law. Qatari forces reportedly intercepted all but one of the missiles, though the extent of any damage remains unclear.

Signals of de-escalation amid ongoing Israeli campaign

Iran’s post-attack comments, paired with the advance warning to the US, were seen by observers as an indication that Tehran was looking to avoid a broader conflict with Washington. Trump echoed this sentiment, noting, “Iran might be able to proceed to Peace and Harmony,” and added that he hoped Israel would also shift toward de-escalation.