Tue Jun 24 06:13:34 UTC 2025: **News Article:**
**Trump Announces Ceasefire Between Israel and Iran After Escalating Conflict**
WASHINGTON – A ceasefire between Israel and Iran is now in effect, according to former U.S. President Donald Trump. The announcement comes after 12 days of escalating conflict, including missile strikes by Iran on Israeli territories and retaliatory attacks by Israel and the U.S. on Iranian nuclear facilities.
“THE CEASEFIRE IS NOW IN EFFECT. PLEASE DO NOT VIOLATE IT,” Trump posted on his Truth Social platform Tuesday.
Trump described the ceasefire as a phased 24-hour process, with Iran halting operations first, followed by Israel 12 hours later. Iranian state media confirmed the ceasefire after five waves of missile attacks on Israel, which reportedly killed at least seven people. Just before the truce began, Iran fired its last round of missiles.
Israel’s military has lifted restrictions requiring the public to stay near shelters, signaling a de-escalation.
Trump announced the ceasefire hours after Iran struck a U.S. military base in Qatar, an action he described as weak retaliation for recent U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear sites.
A senior White House official told Reuters that Trump brokered the deal in a call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who agreed contingent on no further Iranian attacks. Iran also confirmed its agreement, but stated that hostilities would only cease if Israel halts its attacks.
The recent escalation began on June 13, with Israel launching a military offensive alleging that Iran was nearing the development of nuclear weapons. Iran denies these allegations, although Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei has hinted at the potential to pursue nuclear weapons if desired.
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