US President Donald Trump. ARCHIVE

US President Donald Trump has announced a ceasefire agreement between Iran and Israel after 12 days of escalating conflict, and hailing both countries for their “Stamina, Courage, and Intelligence” in agreeing to stop hostilities. In a post on his platform Truth Social, Trump wrote: “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’. This is a War that could have gone on for years, and destroyed the entire Middle East, but it didn’t, and never will!” Trump also told NBC that the ceasefire is “unlimited” and “will last forever.” According to a senior White House official who spoke to Reuters on condition of anonymity, the ceasefire was brokered through talks between Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, while US Vice President JD Vance and other officials held parallel discussions with Tehran. Israel reportedly agreed to the ceasefire provided that Iran does not launch further attacks. Despite the announcement, missile attacks continued in the hours that followed. Iran launched several ballistic missiles early on Tuesday (June 24), one of which hit a residential building in Be’er Sheva, Israel, killing three people and injuring eight others. The attacks reportedly came after Iran’s stated deadline of 4am Tehran time for halting hostilities if Israel stopped its bombings. Iranian state media confirmed the ceasefire later in the morning, saying it was “imposed on the enemy.” Qatar played a key role in securing Iran’s agreement to the ceasefire during a phone call between its prime minister and Iranian officials, according to sources briefed on the matter. Meanwhile, Israel issued evacuation warnings for parts of Tehran amid reports of explosions in the Iranian capital. Social media users described the blasts as the most intense since the conflict began. The conflict intensified over the weekend when the US carried out an unprecedented attack on three Iranian nuclear sites—Isfahan, Natanz, and Fordow—in an operation codenamed “Midnight Hammer.” US B-2 bombers and bunker-buster bombs were used in the strike. While Trump declared that the facilities were “completely and totally obliterated,” the exact extent of the damage remains unclear. Rafael Grossi, head of the UN’s nuclear watchdog, said, “Given the explosive payload utilised and the extreme vibration-sensitive nature of centrifuges, very significant damage is expected to have occurred .” Iran's parliament has since approved the outline of a bill to suspend cooperation with the UN nuclear watchdog, including stopping inspections and the use of surveillance cameras, citing safety concerns at its facilities. Trump said both countries had approached him “almost simultaneously” to broker peace. “Israel & Iran came to me… and said, ‘PEACE!’ The World, and the Middle East, are the real WINNERS!” Trump posted. “The future for Israel & Iran is UNLIMITED, & filled with great PROMISE. GOD BLESS YOU BOTH!” The global community is now closely watching to see if the ceasefire holds amid ongoing missile threats and diplomatic tensions. ICA/CAM/Expat Media ALSO READ: Flights to and from Dubai disrupted after Iran airstrikes prompt Gulf airspace closures
For all the latest news from the UAE and the world, follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram and subscribe to our YouTube page