The 12-day conflict between Israel and Iran took a dramatic and confusing turn late Monday, after U.S. President Donald Trump publicly declared a “complete and total ceasefire” between the two adversaries—only for Iran to swiftly deny any such agreement. The conflicting signals have deepened uncertainty in an already volatile Middle East, leaving diplomats and global leaders scrambling for clarity.
Trump Declares War Over on Social Media
In a highly publicized statement on his platform Truth Social, President Trump said both Israel and Iran had agreed to a phased ceasefire. “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 wrote. He hailed the agreement as a major breakthrough, crediting the “courage and intelligence” of both nations for averting a broader regional disaster.
Iran Denies Any Agreement, Then Halts Strikes
However, shortly after the announcement, Iran’s Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi denied that any ceasefire deal had been finalized. He insisted that Iran’s position remained unchanged—demanding a halt to what it described as Israel’s “illegal aggression”—and clarified that Iran would not make any unilateral decisions until further consultations. Nevertheless, Iran later confirmed that its military operations ceased at 4 a.m. Tehran time. Araghchi thanked the armed forces for their “maximum deterrence” and readiness until the last moment.
Supreme Leader and President Respond
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei weighed in with a stern message, emphasizing that Iran had not surrendered and would continue to protect its sovereignty. “The Iranian people are not afraid. They have endured much and will always resist oppression,” he said.
President Masoud Pezeshkian also reiterated that Iran did not seek war but would not tolerate foreign attacks. “We have not started this war, but we will answer every act of aggression,” he declared, shortly before Iran’s missile strike on a U.S. military base in Qatar.
Iran Strikes U.S. Base in Qatar After Israeli Drone Attack
Just hours before the ceasefire declaration, Iran launched over a dozen missiles at Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, in response to what it called illegal U.S. and Israeli military actions. The attack followed a reported Israeli drone strike on Tehran’s Evin prison—a facility run by the IRGC and known for holding political prisoners—which triggered a third wave of Iranian retaliatory strikes on Israeli cities under Operation “True Promise 3.”
While Qatar condemned the missile attack, its defense officials confirmed that most projectiles were intercepted. The U.S. military reported that 13 out of 14 missiles were shot down, and no American or Qatari personnel were injured.
Trump Downplays Iranian Strikes, Credits Qatar’s Role
Following the Iranian missile launch, Trump dismissed the effectiveness of the attack, calling it a “very weak response.” He thanked Iran for providing early warning and praised the Emir of Qatar for helping to de-escalate tensions. “No lives were lost, and nobody was injured. That is the most important thing,” he said, suggesting that peace was now achievable.
Concerns Over Russian Nuclear Rhetoric
In a separate development, Trump criticized former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev over reports suggesting Russia might help Iran acquire nuclear warheads. Calling the suggestion “reckless,” Trump demanded clarification, warning that such escalation could trigger a broader global crisis.
What Lies Ahead?
While military operations have halted—for now—the ambiguity surrounding the ceasefire raises serious questions about long-term stability. Trump’s announcement, without formal backing from Iran, underscores the fragility of diplomatic efforts in the region. Analysts warn that the involvement of multiple state actors, nuclear concerns, and lack of a formal framework could quickly unravel any gains made.
The world remains on edge as the fog of this 12-day war lingers. With conflicting narratives, geopolitical maneuvering, and unresolved grievances, the coming days will be crucial in determining whether this moment marks the end of a war—or merely a pause in a wider conflict.
