Tue Jun 24 07:22:35 UTC 2025: **FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**

**US-Brokered Ceasefire Between Iran and Israel Raises Hopes for De-escalation**

**WASHINGTON D.C. –** A ceasefire between Iran and Israel, brokered by the United States, has taken effect, raising cautious optimism for an end to the dangerous escalation of conflict that has gripped the region for the past 12 days. U.S. President Donald Trump announced the agreement overnight, urging both sides to uphold the truce.

“The ceasefire is now in effect. Please do not violate it!” Trump stated in a social media post.

The agreement follows intense exchanges of air strikes, culminating in a last-minute barrage by Tehran. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed Israel’s acceptance of the ceasefire proposal, stating it was made “in full coordination” with President Trump.

While Netanyahu warned of forceful retaliation for any violations, the ceasefire marks a potential turning point after a period of heightened tensions, including US strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities and Iranian attacks on a US base in Qatar.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi indicated that Iran’s military operations, aimed at “punishing Israel for its aggression,” continued until the deadline announced by Trump. Reports from Tehran suggest that Israeli strikes on the capital have ceased, providing a “promising indication about the prospect of the ceasefire.”

Despite the tentative calm, the situation remains fragile. Both Iran and Israel have pledged to retaliate against any resumption of attacks. The ceasefire announcement has also triggered mixed reactions within Israel, with opposition leaders calling for a similar truce to end the conflict with Hamas in Gaza. Hardliners, however, criticize the agreement, insisting that Iran poses an ongoing threat.

The recent escalation was sparked by Israeli attacks on Iran, alleging that Tehran was nearing the development of nuclear weapons. The US echoed these concerns before launching strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities over the weekend.

The United Nations nuclear watchdog, IAEA, has demanded access to Iran’s nuclear facilities to verify the location and status of its enriched uranium. Reports suggest Iran may have relocated its nuclear material ahead of the US strikes.

Mohammad Eslami, head of Iran’s Atomic Energy Organization, stated that Tehran is assessing the damage to its nuclear industry and is taking measures to restore production and services.

Read More