Trump Announces Ceasefire Between Israel and Iran: “The 12-Day War Is Over”

In a dramatic declaration late Sunday night, U.S. President Donald Trump announced that Israel and Iran have agreed to a mutual ceasefire set to take effect Monday morning, ending what he termed the “12-Day War.”

Posting on his social media platform Truth Social, Trump wrote:

“Israel and Iran have reached a full agreement on a complete ceasefire, which will take effect in about 6 hours. Congratulations to all! The ceasefire will last for 12 hours. Iran will halt fire first, and on the 12th hour, Israel will follow. By the 24th hour, the war will officially be over. Assuming everything goes according to plan — and it will — I congratulate both nations on their strength, wisdom, and resolve in ending what could have been a years-long war that might have destroyed the entire Middle East.”

Trump concluded his statement with:

“God bless Israel, God bless Iran, God bless the Middle East, God bless the United States of America, and God bless the world.”

Explosions in Iran Amid Ceasefire Reports

Despite the announcement, explosions were reported late Sunday night near Karaj, west of Tehran, and the nearby town of Rajai Shahr. Iranian sources described them as “strong blasts,” believed to be linked to ongoing Israeli Air Force activity in the area.

Earlier in the day, the IDF conducted a massive air assault on Iranian soil, reportedly targeting missile production sites, radar systems, and underground storage facilities around the capital. Among the sites struck was Evin Prison, notorious for housing political dissidents. Israel also bombed access routes to the Fordo nuclear facility, aiming to prevent the removal of enriched uranium.

Iran Fires Back, Targets U.S. Bases

As part of its retaliation to U.S. strikes earlier in the week, Iran launched 14 missiles at the American Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar and one missile toward a U.S. base in Iraq, according to reports. The New York Times cited sources suggesting the attack was "coordinated" with Qatar. Israeli defense sources estimated that Iran’s response was measured - likely in an effort to avoid broader escalation.

Military Damage and Fallout

According to IDF sources, between dozens and possibly hundreds of IRGC personnel were killed in the unprecedented wave of airstrikes across Tehran. A senior Israeli official told Ynet that, while there's no confirmed evidence Iran extracted enriched uranium from Fordo before the attack, "we cannot rule it out entirely."

The U.S. reportedly notified Israel of the planned strikes as early as Thursday and requested assistance in multiple areas. Trump’s administration initially planned to strike only Fordo, but Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu and Minister Ron Dermer convinced them to include the Natanz site as well, under the message: “Finish the job. Eliminate them.”

Israel on Alert as Ceasefire Looms

Despite the ceasefire announcement, the IDF issued warnings to residents of Tehran to “stay away from military installations”, stating that airstrikes may continue until the agreed halt takes effect.

Meanwhile, five rocket barrages were launched from Iran toward Israel - some reaching the Upper Galilee and southern Lachish region, but causing no casualties.