US President Donald Trump announced a phased ceasefire between Israel and Iran to end 12 days of conflict. Iran will stop operations first, followed by Israel. The war began with Israeli strikes on Iranian sites and escalated with missile attacks and US involvement. Diplomatic efforts led to the agreement, which Trump called the end of “THE 12 DAY WAR.”

US President Donald Trump has formally announced that Israel and Iran have reached an agreement for a phased ceasefire, expected to begin at approximately 04:00 GMT on Tuesday. This development is intended to bring an end to nearly two weeks of intense military hostilities between the two nations—a conflict Trump has labeled “THE 12 DAY WAR.”

In a statement posted on his Truth Social platform, Trump explained that the terms of the agreement call for a “complete and total ceasefire.” According to him, the de-escalation will proceed in two stages: Iran will first initiate a pause in military operations, and Israel will follow 12 hours later. The staggered approach is meant to allow both countries time to manage ongoing military engagements and reduce the risk of a sudden, destabilizing halt in combat activities.

“On the assumption that everything works as it should—which it will—I would like to congratulate both countries, Israel and Iran, on having the stamina, courage, and intelligence to end what should be called ‘THE 12 DAY WAR,’” Trump stated.

The conflict began on June 13 when Israel launched a wave of airstrikes on a number of strategic Iranian locations, including military bases, nuclear research sites, and even civilian infrastructure. One of the most notable targets was the Fordo underground enrichment facility, a highly sensitive site long considered central to Iran’s nuclear program. These strikes were reportedly in response to intelligence suggesting imminent threats from Iranian-linked groups.

Tehran responded swiftly and forcefully, unleashing ballistic missile attacks against Israeli military installations and urban centers. The exchange of fire quickly escalated into the most direct and intense military confrontation between the two nations in recent memory. The situation worsened when, on June 22, the United States entered the conflict in support of Israel. US forces carried out targeted strikes on three Iranian nuclear facilities, further inflaming tensions.

In retaliation, Iran launched a missile attack on the US Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, raising fears of a broader war in the Middle East. The conflict caused significant civilian casualties and displaced thousands of people in both countries. Iran has held multiple funerals for civilians and members of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) who were killed in Israeli air raids. Israel, on its part, activated national emergency protocols and launched what it described as the most expansive air campaign against Iran in its history.

Despite the rapidly deteriorating situation, back-channel diplomatic negotiations have been quietly progressing. According to sources familiar with the discussions, mediators from Oman and Switzerland have played a crucial role in facilitating communication between the warring parties. However, Trump did not name any mediating countries or diplomats in his public remarks. Instead, he credited both sides for agreeing to what he described as a “measured wind-down” of military operations.

The implementation of the ceasefire, starting with Iran’s halt and followed by Israel’s, is viewed as a strategic decision designed to maintain balance and prevent either side from interpreting the pause as a sign of weakness. It also allows ongoing military maneuvers to wind down in a controlled manner, avoiding the risk of last-minute escalations or miscalculations.

Over the course of the nearly two-week conflict, hundreds of people have been reported dead in Iran and dozens in Israel. Both nations have seen widespread destruction of property, severe disruptions to daily life, and the psychological trauma of sustained missile attacks. In Iran, mourning ceremonies for slain civilians and IRGC members have been held across multiple cities. In Israel, bomb shelters have remained open around the clock, and citizens have lived under constant alert amid sirens and counterstrike operations.

The violence has sparked concerns across the international community, with fears that the conflict could spread across the region and destabilize neighboring countries. As the ceasefire goes into effect, global leaders and humanitarian organizations are calling for sustained diplomatic engagement to ensure a permanent resolution to the underlying tensions that triggered the war.