. Say 12-Day War is Over
United States President Donald Trump in the wee hours of Tuesday announced that Israel and Iran have agreed to a ceasefire after missile exchanges, marking the end of what he called the “12-day war.” The ceasefire will be implemented in phases over 24 hours.
According to Trump, Iran will start the ceasefire, followed by Israel after 12 hours, and the war will officially end after 24 hours. Trump praised both countries for their “stamina, courage, and intelligence” in reaching the agreement. He also thanked the Emir of Qatar for his role in facilitating the ceasefire.
A senior Iranian official confirmed the ceasefire deal, which was brokered by the US with the help of Qatar. The Qatari prime minister played a key role in securing Iran’s agreement to the ceasefire after Iran launched missiles at a US air base in Qatar. The deal was coordinated at the highest level between President Trump, Vice President Vance, and the Qatari Emir and Prime Minister.
The announcement was met with cautious optimism by the rest of the world which has been on edge over fears of a third world war.
Global leaders have called for de-escalation in the Middle East conflict between Israel and Iran. While G7 leaders have stated that Iran cannot be allowed to develop nuclear weapons, they also urge for a ceasefire and diplomatic solution to the crisis.
The United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres expressed grave alarm over the use of force by the US against Iran, warning of catastrophic consequences for civilians, the region, and the world. He called on member states to de-escalate and uphold their obligations under the UN Charter and international law.
Other world leaders, including Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba and Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani, have also expressed concern over the conflict. Ishiba called for calm and quick de-escalation, while Tajani stressed diplomacy, hoping for de-escalation and Iran’s return to the negotiating table.
New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters and Australian Government Spokesperson have also called for peaceful dialogue, with Peters stating that ongoing military action in the Middle East is extremely worrying and further escalation should be avoided. The Australian spokesperson acknowledged the complexity of the situation, emphasizing that there’s no military solution and the only path forward is diplomacy.
The UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer supported the US strike, stating that Iran should never be allowed to develop a nuclear weapon, while urging Iran to return to the negotiating table. The EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen emphasized stability and respect for international law, stating that Iran must never acquire nuclear weapons and calling for a credible diplomatic solution.
Meanwhile, some leaders have condemned the US strike, including Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel and Venezuelan Foreign Minister Yván. Díaz-Canel described the strike as a serious violation of the UN Charter and international law, while Yván demanded an immediate cessation of hostilities.
The conflict between Israel and Iran has led to significant concerns globally, with many leaders calling for restraint and diplomacy to prevent further escalation. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has also reported that likely all machines at Iran’s main enrichment plant were damaged or destroyed due to a power cut caused by an Israeli strike.
The ceasefire comes after Iran launched at least six missiles toward America’s Al-Udeid Air Base in Qatar, reportedly in retaliation for Trump’s attack on Tehran’s nuclear program over the weekend. Qatar’s foreign ministry condemned the strike, saying the missiles were destroyed and there were no casualties.
Trump thanked the Emir of Qatar for his efforts in seeking peace in the region and reported that no Americans or Qataris were killed or wounded in the attack.