In a surprising development, former U.S. President Donald Trump has announced a complete ceasefire agreement between Iran and Israel. The declaration comes amid intense escalation in the Middle East, following nearly 12 days of open conflict between the two regional rivals.
Ceasefire Terms and Timeline
Trump detailed the ceasefire in a public statement:
“Congratulations to everyone. It has been fully agreed by and between Israel and Iran that there will be a complete and total ceasefire.”
He further elaborated on the timeline of the agreement:
- Iran will initiate the ceasefire immediately.
- Israel is set to follow suit after 12 hours.
- A formal end to hostilities is expected within 24 hours, marking the conclusion of the 12-day war.
The former President also noted that both sides have committed to peaceful conduct and mutual respect during the ceasefire period.
Mixed Signals from Iran and Israel
Despite Trump's optimistic proclamation, conflicting messages emerged shortly after the announcement:
- Iranian Foreign Minister Agarachi posted on social media platform X, stating that Israel started the war, and missile attacks will continue unless Israeli aggression ceases.
- Iranian missiles reportedly continued to target southern Israel, even as talks of ceasefire circulated.
- Israeli military sources also indicated that incoming fire from Iran had not ceased, casting doubt on the viability of the deal.
A Snapshot of Recent Escalations
The past 48 hours have seen:
- Iranian missile strikes on U.S. bases, including the Al-Udeid base in Qatar.
- Israeli retaliatory strikes and continued air raids across southern regions.
This intense exchange has threatened to draw in regional players and destabilize West Asia further.
Global Impact: Oil Prices Dip Slightly
Interestingly, despite the volatility, global oil prices have dipped. Analysts attribute this to:
- The hope of a ceasefire, even if not fully confirmed.
- The belief that a full-scale regional war may still be avoided.
Awaiting Official Confirmation
While Trump’s declaration is significant, neither Iran nor Israel has officially confirmed the terms of the ceasefire through government channels. Until then, the world remains on edge.
Conclusion
The announcement of a ceasefire is a glimmer of hope in a rapidly deteriorating situation. However, ground realities and ongoing hostilities tell a different story. It remains to be seen whether diplomacy can prevail over deep-rooted animosity.
