A U.S.-brokered ceasefire between Israel and Iran officially took effect in the early hours of Tuesday, following nearly two weeks of escalating military conflict. The ceasefire, announced lPresident Donald Trump, came after intense negotiations involving the United States, Qatar, and both regional powers. However, conflicting statements from Tehran and Jerusalem, alongside reports of continued strikes just before the deadline, have cast uncertainty over the truce’s durability.
President Trump announced the agreement through a statement on Truth Social, describing it as a “complete and total ceasefire” reached with direct involvement from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Iranian intermediaries. The truce stipulated that Iran would halt hostilities immediately, while Israel would follow suit 12 hours later. Trump characterized the ceasefire as a major diplomatic win, emphasizing the role of Vice President J.D. Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and special envoy Steve Witkoff in securing the agreement.
In Tehran, Iran’s state-run media claimed victory, reporting that the ceasefire had been “imposed on the enemy” by 7:30 a.m. local time. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that Iran’s compliance was conditional on a complete cessation of Israeli “aggression.” Iran also confirmed that a final round of missile launches took place shortly before the ceasefire deadline. Meanwhile, Israeli defense officials remained cautious. While the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have not officially confirmed participation in the truce, air defense systems across the country remained on high alert, and military activity continued as assessments of the situation were underway.
Despite the ceasefire announcement, Iranian missile attacks late Sunday caused significant damage in southern Israel. In Beersheba, at least four civilians were killed when a residential building was struck. Emergency services reported that eight people were rescued from the rubble, several with serious injuries. Firefighters and rescue workers remained deployed in affected areas into Monday morning.
The ceasefire followed an intense of escalation. U.S. forces conducted airstrikes targeting Iranian nuclear infrastructure, including facilities in Natanz and Fordow. Iran retaliated by launching missiles at American bases in Qatar and intensifying its attacks on Israeli cities. The rapid exchange raised concerns of a full-scale regional war.
Global financial markets responded to the ceasefire with optimism. Oil prices fell sharply as fears of broader conflict subsided. Brent crude dropped to below $67 per barrel in early trading, while global equity markets rallied, driven by expectations of easing geopolitical risk.
Still, analysts and international observers warn that the truce remains fragile. Without mutual verification mechanisms and clear enforcement, the risk of renewed hostilities remains high. As of Monday morning, no further missile strikes had been confirmed, though air raid sirens were intermittently reported in parts of southern Israel.
The ceasefire marks a significant—if tentative—pause in what has become one of the most dangerous flashpoints in the Middle East in recent years. Whether it holds in the days ahead remains to be seen.
