In a dramatic turn during the twelfth day of the Iran-Israel conflict, US President Donald Trump announced that a complete ceasefire had been agreed upon between the two warring nations. But within minutes, Iran firmly denied any such deal, and affirmed that there is no such agreement as of now.
Here are the top 10 developments:
1. Trump says war is ending with a ‘Complete and Total CEASEFIRE’Donald Trump took to Truth Social to declare an end to the conflict, stating that Israel and Iran had both agreed to a ceasefire. He described the 12-day war as one that could have “destroyed the entire Middle East” but was instead coming to a peaceful close.“There will be a Complete and Total CEASEFIRE (in approximately 6 hours from now, when Israel and Iran have wound down and completed their in progress, final missions!), for 12 hours, at which point the War will be considered, ENDED!”“God bless Israel, God bless Iran, God bless the Middle East, God bless the United States of America, and GOD BLESS THE WORLD!”
2. Iran’s foreign minister quickly denies any dealJust after Trump’s post, Iran’s foreign minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi released a statement saying that no ceasefire had been agreed to. He maintained that Iran had been defending itself and set conditions for halting operations.“As Iran has repeatedly made clear: Israel launched war on Iran, not the other way around.”“As of now, there is NO ‘agreement’ on any ceasefire or cessation of military operations. However, provided that the Israeli regime stops its illegal aggression against the Iranian people no later than 4 am Tehran time, we have no intention to continue our response afterwards.”“The final decision on the cessation of our military operations will be made later.”3. Iran confirms military operations ended at 4amA second post by Araghchi followed shortly, confirming that Iran’s military actions had stopped as of 4am, while praising the Iranian Armed Forces.“The military operations of our powerful Armed Forces to punish Israel for its aggression continued until the very last minute, at 4am.”“Together with all Iranians, I thank our brave Armed Forces who remain ready to defend our dear country until their last drop of blood, and who responded to any attack by the enemy until the very last minute.”4. Iran’s Supreme Leader warns Iran does not surrenderIran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei shared a strong message online, saying that Iran will not back down and showed that the country remains strong and determined.“Those who know the Iranian people and their history know that the Iranian nation isn’t a nation that surrenders.”5. Iran launches missiles at US base in QatarHours before the ceasefire talk, Iran launched missiles at the US-operated Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar. Loud explosions were heard across Doha and Lusail. Iran said this was in retaliation for US bombing of its nuclear facilities. Qatar condemned the strike and claimed nearly all missiles were intercepted.Iranian media called it “a mighty and successful response by the armed forces of Iran to America’s aggression.”These strikes came in response to the US’ Operation Midnight Hammer, which targeted Iran’s three major nuclear sites: Fordow, Isfahan, and Natanz. The US used B-2 bombers and 30,000-pound bunker-buster ammunition to carry out the operation.Also read: Iran launches missiles at US base in Qatar; explosions rock Doha, Indian embassy urges caution – top developments6. Trump says Iran’s response was weak and ineffectiveTrump downplayed Iran’s missile strike on the base in Qatar, saying most of the missiles were intercepted and that no Americans were hurt. He urged Iran to move forward towards peace.“Iran has officially responded to our Obliteration of their Nuclear Facilities with a very weak response, which we expected, and have very effectively countered. There have been 14 missiles fired — 13 were knocked down, and 1 was ‘set free,’ because it was headed in a nonthreatening direction. I am pleased to report that NO Americans were harmed, and hardly any damage was done.”“Perhaps Iran can now proceed to Peace and Harmony in the Region, and I will enthusiastically encourage Israel to do the same.”
7. Trump thanks Emir of Qatar for seeking peaceTrump also thanked Qatar’s Emir for helping prevent escalation and confirmed that no Qataris were hurt in the missile incident.“I’d like to thank the Highly Respected Emir of Qatar for all that he has done in seeking Peace for the Region. Regarding the attack today at the American Base in Qatar, I am pleased to report that, in addition to no Americans being killed or wounded, very importantly, there have also been no Qataris killed or wounded.”
8. Trump blasts Russia’s Medvedev for ‘N-word’ commentIn another post, Trump criticised Russian former President Dmitry Medvedev for allegedly mentioning nuclear warheads being sent to Iran. Trump expressed alarm over the use of the word “nuclear.”“Did I hear Former President Medvedev, from Russia, casually throwing around the ‘N word’ (Nuclear!), and saying that he and other Countries would supply Nuclear Warheads to Iran? Did he really say that or, is it just a figment of my imagination? If he did say that, and, if confirmed, please let me know, IMMEDIATELY.”“I guess that’s why Putin’s ‘THE BOSS.’”
9. Israeli drone strike on Evin prison triggers major Iranian retaliationThe day before, Israel reportedly hit Iran’s Evin prison in Tehran with a drone strike. The prison is known for holding political prisoners. In response, Iran launched a third wave of missile and drone attacks, named “Operation True Promise 3,” hitting several Israeli cities including Haifa and Tel Aviv.Iranian officials described the strike on Evin as part of ongoing illegal aggression. The prison is operated by the IRGC and has been accused of human rights violations.Also read: Israel strikes Iranian govt sites; hits notorious Evin Prison in Tehran10. Iran’s President: ‘We neither initiated the war nor seeking it’Just before Iran’s missile attack on Qatar, President Masoud Pezeshkian defended Iran’s stance, saying it was not the aggressor but would not allow invasion to go unanswered.“We neither initiated the war nor seeking it. But we will not leave invasion to the great Iran without answer.”
