INVC NEWS
Washington, DC — : President Donald Trump made a dramatic announcement on Monday, revealing that Israel and Iran have agreed to a “Complete and Total” ceasefire, bringing an abrupt halt to nearly two weeks of fierce conflict. This ceasefire is set to begin at midnight Eastern Time, with each side initiating a phased halt in military operations over the next 24 hours.
The announcement came via Truth Social, where Trump detailed the timeline and hailed the agreement as a significant diplomatic breakthrough. “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,” the president wrote.
Ceasefire Timeline and Sequence of Events
According to the president’s post, Iran will be the first to initiate the ceasefire, halting military operations at midnight ET. Israel will follow suit 12 hours later, marking a 24-hour transition period culminating in the formal end of what Trump referred to as “The 12 Day War.”
This framework implies a mutually staged disengagement, a tactic often used in high-stakes international negotiations to maintain trust and manage escalations.
No Official Confirmation From Iran or Israel—Yet
Despite the announcement, neither Iran nor Israel has officially confirmed the ceasefire. The absence of immediate statements from the two nations raises questions about the durability and enforceability of the truce.
Requests for clarification from the White House regarding the precise terms of the agreement and whether formal treaties or backchannel diplomacy played a role have so far gone unanswered.
Background: How the Conflict Erupted
The current conflict erupted on June 13, when Israel launched a series of airstrikes targeting Iranian military and nuclear infrastructure. The strikes reportedly eliminated several high-ranking Iranian commanders, including figures linked to Iran’s elite Revolutionary Guard and nuclear research divisions.
Iran responded with retaliatory missile attacks, targeting Israeli military installations and assets in the region. The fighting escalated rapidly, drawing in global attention and heightening fears of a broader regional war.
Casualties and Human Impact
According to preliminary estimates, at least 950 people have been killed in the conflict, with over 3,450 others injured. The victims include a significant number of military personnel and civilians, particularly on Iranian soil, where key urban centers near strategic installations were hit by Israeli airpower.
Hospitals across western Iran have reported overwhelming numbers of casualties, many suffering from burns, shrapnel wounds, and structural collapses due to sustained bombardments.
U.S. Military Involvement: A Decisive Shift
The conflict took a notable turn over the weekend when the United States conducted targeted airstrikes on three suspected Iranian nuclear sites. These preemptive actions marked a rare direct U.S. military involvement in hostilities between Iran and Israel, and were seen as a tactical message to both sides.
President Trump described the strikes as “necessary to prevent further destabilization” and claimed they were critical to halting Iran’s nuclear advances.
Iran’s Response to U.S. Strikes
In retaliation, Iran launched over a dozen missiles targeting a U.S. military base in Qatar. Fortunately, the missile attack caused no casualties, as most projectiles were intercepted by advanced defense systems. U.S. and Qatari officials confirmed the lack of injuries and damage, noting that early intelligence allowed for rapid defensive measures.
Iran’s military described its response as “devastating and powerful”, while President Trump dismissed it as “very weak.” In a follow-up social media post, he thanked Iran for providing early notice, which reportedly enabled U.S. forces to secure their positions and avoid casualties.
Diplomatic Channels and Secret Talks
While details remain scarce, sources close to the matter suggest that backchannel diplomacy, facilitated by neutral Gulf states and European intermediaries, played a role in laying the groundwork for this ceasefire.
Several diplomatic sources have confirmed that discussions between Swiss, Omani, and Qatari officials have intensified over the past week, with many working tirelessly behind the scenes to avert a full-blown war.
Global Reaction to the Ceasefire Announcement
Though official statements from Israel and Iran are pending, global reactions to Trump’s declaration have been swift.
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres urged both sides to “honor the ceasefire and begin good-faith efforts to de-escalate tensions permanently.”
The European Union called for “verifiable implementation” and stressed the need for a “monitoring mechanism to ensure compliance.”
Russia and China, while cautious, have welcomed the news, indicating they are ready to assist in rebuilding diplomatic frameworks.
What Happens Next: Monitoring the Implementation
The coming 24 hours are critical. International observers will be watching closely for:
Confirmation from Israeli and Iranian leadership.
Cessation of hostilities as per Trump’s timeline.
Reopening of diplomatic communication channels.
Potential prisoner swaps or humanitarian aid corridors.
Analysts warn that miscalculations or rogue military actions could derail the fragile agreement. Both militaries remain on high alert, even as government officials begin drafting frameworks for de-escalation and dialogue.
Military Analysts Urge Caution
Defense experts remain cautious. While the ceasefire, if real, marks a step toward de-escalation, it also highlights the volatile nature of Middle East geopolitics, where conflicts can reignite with little warning.
Former Pentagon advisor Dr. Alex Harmon stated, “Without concrete verification mechanisms, ceasefires in this region are often short-lived. The devil is in the details, and we don’t have those details yet.”
Potential for Long-Term Stability?
The broader implications of this ceasefire could be significant if it leads to:
Renewed nuclear diplomacy with Iran.
Reduced proxy conflict activity in Syria, Lebanon, and Yemen.
U.S.-brokered peace deals becoming a new regional model.
But achieving such goals will require deep structural negotiations, involving military drawdowns, international inspections, and robust diplomatic re-engagement.
Conclusion of Military Operations?
While no conclusive peace agreement has been signed, Trump’s announcement represents the strongest signal yet that this recent war may be ending. If Israel and Iran do indeed halt hostilities, this could become one of the most significant diplomatic moments of the year.
The world now waits for formal confirmation—and for actions to match the rhetoric. Until then, international agencies, media, and governments will remain focused on the six-hour countdown to what could be a turning point in Middle Eastern conflict history.
