Tehran/Jerusalem/Washington— A ceasefire has reportedly come into effect between Israel and Iran after 12 days of escalating conflict, with US President Donald Trump playing a central role in brokering the deal. However, the truce followed a final wave of deadly strikes that claimed lives on both sides and raised fears of a broader regional war, reported the CNN.
Powerful explosions rocked Iran’s capital Tehran in the early hours of Tuesday, just an hour before the ceasefire was scheduled to begin at 4:00 am local time. Israeli airstrikes reportedly targeted nuclear and military installations across Iran, including the killing of a senior Iranian nuclear scientist.
Iran responded with multiple missile barrages targeting Israeli cities such as Ramat Gan and Be’er Sheva, killing at least seven people and injuring several others. Iranian state media reported that nine people were killed in an Israeli airstrike in the northern province of Gilan, and four residential buildings were destroyed.
While Tehran initially denied any agreement, Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi later hinted that a ceasefire had been reached. US President Trump confirmed the development on his social media platform, posting: “THE CEASEFIRE IS NOW IN EFFECT. PLEASE DO NOT VIOLATE IT!”
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also confirmed Israel’s agreement to the truce, stating that all of Israel’s military objectives had been met. These, he said, included crippling Iran’s nuclear capabilities, targeting military leadership, and achieving air superiority over Tehran. “Israel will respond forcefully to any violation of the ceasefire,” Netanyahu warned.
The Iranian Revolutionary Guards, meanwhile, issued a stern warning to the United States, saying any further attacks would invite a “crushing and regrettable” response. Commanders described US President Trump as “foolish” and vowed retaliation for any aggression.
In a symbolic gesture, Iran called for the evacuation of residents from Ramat Gan, signaling potential strikes before the ceasefire. At least five waves of missiles were launched before Iran announced it was “ending hostilities.”
The conflict severely impacted global markets. Oil prices dropped more than five percent following the ceasefire announcement. Brent crude traded at $67.93 per barrel, while US WTI crude was at $65.01. The global stock markets rallied in response, with Asia and Europe seeing substantial gains. India’s Sensex surged by 750 points.
Airspaces across Qatar, the UAE, and Bahrain were temporarily closed due to Iranian missile strikes. In Iraq, unidentified drones targeted radar systems at two military bases, hinting at broader regional implications.
Trump took credit for brokering the ceasefire, revealing that both Israel and Iran approached him seeking peace. “The world and the Middle East are the real winners,” he said, adding that both nations now have the chance for “peace, love, and prosperity.”
Vice President JD Vance stated that US strikes had rendered Iran incapable of building a nuclear weapon. Meanwhile, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and special envoy Steve Witkoff reportedly coordinated backchannel communications with Iran. Qatar played a pivotal role in facilitating the agreement.
Despite the ceasefire, questions remain about its durability. Missile sirens were heard in northern Israel minutes before the truce, and the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) continued intercepting projectiles. Tel Aviv residents were seen huddling in underground shelters, and public instructions to remain near protected areas were only lifted later in the day.
The fragile ceasefire has brought a temporary halt to a conflict that threatened to draw in global powers. While leaders on all sides declared victory, the devastation on the ground and the volatile regional dynamics suggest that lasting peace remains uncertain.
