Mon Jun 23 23:00:00 UTC 2025: **Headline: Trump Claims Israel-Iran Ceasefire Amidst Regional Turmoil**
**DOHA, Qatar (AP) —** A fragile calm is tentatively emerging in the Middle East after a whirlwind of escalating tensions that saw Iran launch a missile attack on a U.S. military base in Qatar on Monday. The attack was retaliation for American airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities over the weekend.
U.S. President Donald Trump took to social media to announce a “complete and total ceasefire” between Israel and Iran, to be phased in over 24 hours. While the Israeli military has declined to comment, and Iranian state media has remained silent on the matter, Republican U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson praised Trump’s actions as a demonstration of “peace through strength.”
The situation remains highly volatile. Earlier on Monday, Iranian missiles struck Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, prompting the closure of Qatari airspace and shelter-in-place orders for Americans in the country. While the U.S. reported no casualties, and Qatar claims its air defenses intercepted most of the missiles, the incident underscored the potential for wider conflict. Adding to the complexity, Iranian media have reported ongoing Israeli airstrikes, including near Tehran.
The proposed ceasefire, according to Trump’s social media posts, is scheduled to begin with Iran ceasing attacks at midnight EST Tuesday, followed by Israel halting strikes 12 hours later. In the aftermath of the attack, Secretary-General Antonio is publicly and privately “being supportive of any diplomatic efforts that can be restored,” the U.N. spokesman says.
The international community is grappling with the implications of the conflict. A draft resolution has been circulated in the UN Security Council condemning attacks on peaceful nuclear sites in Iran. However, the resolution faces a likely veto from the United States. Nations like France and Russia have offered to mediate a resolution, and others like Oman have been very productive.
The recent tensions have also raised concerns about the Strait of Hormuz, a critical oil shipping lane, and the potential for disruptions to global energy markets. The Pentagon has increased its military presence in the Middle East in recent months as tensions rose.
Several nations in the region, including the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt, have condemned Iran’s attack on Qatar, while others have urged de-escalation and a return to diplomacy. Qatar’s Foreign Ministry has called for an immediate end to all military activities.
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