Former U.S. President Donald Trump has declared that Israel and Iran have agreed to a ceasefire, potentially ending nearly two weeks of escalating conflict between the two nations.
In a post on Truth Social Monday evening, June 23, Trump said both countries had committed to halting hostilities.
“Congratulations to everyone! It has been fully agreed by and between Israel and Iran that there will be a complete and total ceasefire,” he wrote.
Trump specified that the ceasefire would take effect “in approximately six hours from now,” after both sides wound down military activities. “Officially, Iran will start the ceasefire and, upon the 12th hour, Israel will start the ceasefire,” he explained.
He added, “By the 24th hour, an official end to the 12-day war will be saluted by the world.”
Calling it a diplomatic win, Trump wrote, “During each ceasefire, the other side will remain peaceful and respectful.
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“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.’”
He stressed the stakes of the conflict: “This is a War that could have gone on for years, and destroyed the entire Middle East, but it didn’t, and never will! God bless Israel, God bless Iran, God bless the Middle East, God bless the United States of America, and God bless the world!”
However, Iran has pushed back against the claim, denying that any formal ceasefire had been agreed upon.
In a statement, Iran’s Foreign Minister, Seyed Araghchi, said, “As of now, there is NO ‘agreement’ on any ceasefire or cessation of military operations.
“However, 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.”
Despite Trump’s optimistic announcement, neither Iran nor Israel has formally confirmed a mutually agreed ceasefire. Tensions remain high as the world watches for signs of de-escalation.