AMN-USA | June 23, 2025

In a historic diplomatic breakthrough, Israel and Iran have agreed to a full ceasefire, officially ending the brief but intense conflict now being referred to as “The 12 Day War.” The announcement came earlier today in a nationally televised address by President Donald J. Trump, who confirmed that both nations would complete any remaining military operations within the next six hours, after which a carefully structured 24-hour ceasefire process will begin. Under the agreement, Iran will initiate the first 12-hour phase of the ceasefire, during which Israel will maintain a posture of non-engagement. Following this, Israel will enter its own 12-hour formal ceasefire while Iran continues to observe peace. If both sides uphold the terms, the war will be declared officially over at the end of the 24-hour period.

President Trump hailed the agreement as a triumph of diplomacy and restraint, stating, “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.’” He further emphasized the conflict’s potential to spiral into a much larger regional disaster, noting, “This is a war that could have gone on for years and destroyed the entire Middle East — but it didn’t, and never will.”

The conflict erupted following a sharp escalation of cyberattacks and retaliatory military strikes, eventually evolving into open warfare between two of the Middle East’s most powerful adversaries. The rapid deterioration of relations triggered alarm across the globe, with humanitarian agencies and world leaders urgently calling for a ceasefire amid growing civilian casualties and regional instability. While casualty reports are still incomplete, early estimates suggest considerable loss of life and significant infrastructure damage on both sides.

The ceasefire is being closely monitored by an international coalition, with verification teams from the United Nations, European Union, United States, Russia, and China already deploying to ensure full compliance with the agreement’s timeline. These observers will track the following phases: final military operations wrapping up in the first six hours; Iran's ceasefire from hour 6 to 18; Israel's ceasefire from hour 18 to 30; and the official end of the war thereafter, pending full adherence by both parties.

Reaction from the global community has been cautiously optimistic. U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres described the ceasefire as “a rare act of leadership and restraint in one of the world’s most volatile regions.” Markets responded positively to the announcement, with oil prices dropping and regional stock indices posting early gains as the threat of prolonged warfare diminished.

In his closing remarks, President Trump called for unity and peace, saying, “God bless Israel, God bless Iran, God bless the Middle East, God bless the United States of America, and GOD BLESS THE WORLD!” As the clock begins on this carefully staged ceasefire, the next 24 hours may prove pivotal in shaping the future of diplomacy and peace in the Middle East.