In a dramatic turn after 12 days of escalating conflict, Israel and Iran have agreed to a ceasefire brokered by former US President Donald Trump, following final missile exchanges that claimed lives and intensified global concerns.
The ceasefire, which Trump dubbed the end of the “12-Day War,” was confirmed Tuesday after Iran’s last wave of missile strikes on Israel killed at least four people and wounded several others in Beersheba. Israel, in retaliation, launched a pre-dawn blitz of airstrikes across Iran, claiming it had achieved all its military objectives.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that the military operation dismantled Iran’s nuclear and missile capabilities and significantly damaged Tehran’s military infrastructure. He warned that Israel would respond “forcefully” to any violation of the truce.
Trump took to Truth Social over an hour after the deadline for Iran’s attacks had passed, writing, “THE CEASEFIRE IS NOW IN EFFECT. PLEASE DO NOT VIOLATE IT!” However, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi had earlier said there was “no agreement yet,” though he indicated Iran was open to halting further strikes if Israel ceased hostilities by 4 a.m. Tehran time.
Iran’s barrage earlier damaged three residential buildings in Beersheba, with rescue workers retrieving four bodies and treating multiple injuries—even inside so-called “safe rooms.”
Trump said the ceasefire came into effect around midnight Washington time and called it an “Official END” to the war. The Qatari government reportedly played a key role in brokering the deal, while Trump and Israeli PM Netanyahu coordinated directly.
The missile exchange even forced temporary airspace closures in both Israel and Qatar. Flights were suspended and later resumed once the threat subsided.
The war has claimed at least 24 Israeli lives and wounded over 1,000. Iranian casualties are significantly higher, with the Washington-based Human Rights Activists group reporting at least 974 deaths—including 387 civilians and 268 security personnel—along with more than 3,400 injured.
The US State Department confirmed the evacuation of 250 American citizens and their families from Israel, amid fears the violence could spiral further.
While the ceasefire brings a fragile pause, uncertainty looms over whether both nations will fully honor the agreement or if deeper tensions will reignite conflict in the region.
