The ’12 Day War’?: Trump’s Ceasefire Claim Meets Regional Skepticism as Iran and Israel Exchange Blows
The ’12 Day War’?: Trump’s Ceasefire Claim Meets Regional Skepticism as Iran and Israel Exchange Blows
A precarious and unconfirmed ceasefire has reportedly taken effect in the volatile conflict between Israel and Iran, with President Donald Trump declaring an end to what he termed “THE 12 DAY WAR.” However, as explosions continued to rock Tehran and Israeli forces expanded evacuation orders, skepticism pervades the region, with Iran’s foreign minister denying any formal agreement.
Trump announced the ceasefire on Truth Social, stating, “THE CEASEFIRE IS NOW IN EFFECT. PLEASE DO NOT VIOLATE IT!” He later elaborated on a phased 24-hour wind-down, culminating in a “Complete and Total CEASEFIRE.” A senior White House official indicated Trump personally pressed Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu, telling him, “No more war. No more fighting. The Iranians have been significantly weakened.” Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio reportedly worked with Qatari intermediaries to convey the ceasefire proposal to Iran.
Despite Trump’s pronouncements, Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated there was “NO ‘agreement’ on any ceasefire or cessation of military operations.” He did, however, suggest Iran would cease its response if Israel halted its “illegal aggression.” Israel, for its part, has yet to publicly confirm or comment on any ceasefire agreement, and military activity on both sides continued into Tuesday.
The past 48 hours have seen intense escalation. Iran launched a final barrage of missiles at Israel, including strikes targeting the U.S. Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar. While U.S. defense officials confirmed the interception of most missiles and no American casualties at Al Udeid, Qatar’s foreign affairs spokesperson confirmed the attack and asserted their right to a proportional response. Iranian state media claimed the attacks were a “successful missile operation” imposing a ceasefire on Israel.
Meanwhile, Israel has intensified its retaliatory strikes. Israeli forces today targeted Hezbollah sites in southern Lebanon and launched new attacks on Iran’s Fordo nuclear facility and several Iranian command centers, including the IRGC’s Thar-Allah command center and the Sayyid al-Shuhada Corps. Reports from Iran’s semi-official Tasnim news agency indicated at least 10 Revolutionary Guard Corps officers were killed in Israeli strikes yesterday near Yazd. Earlier, Israel also reported striking six Iranian airports, destroying 15 aircraft and helicopters.
The conflict, which began with Israeli strikes 10 days ago and escalated sharply after U.S. attacks on Iranian nuclear facilities “over the weekend,” has prompted widespread international concern. The IAEA confirmed “very significant damage” to Iran’s Fordo and Natanz enrichment plants. Russia, China, Pakistan, and several Arab nations have condemned the U.S. strikes and called for de-escalation, with Russia’s President Putin meeting with Iran’s foreign minister today. Warnings have also been issued regarding potential Iranian cyberattacks and the critical Strait of Hormuz.
As American citizens are advised to “shelter in place” in Qatar and the State Department issues a worldwide caution, the immediate future of the region remains highly uncertain. The declared ceasefire, if it holds, offers a glimmer of hope, but the persistent military actions and conflicting statements underscore the deep volatility of the situation.
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