A ceasefire agreement between Iran and Israel has been announced, following intensive diplomatic efforts involving the United States and Qatar.
However, hostilities persist on the ground, with missile strikes and air defence activity continuing in both countries, casting doubt on the immediate effectiveness of the truce.
US President Donald Trump announced late on 23 June 2025 that Iran and Israel had agreed to what he termed a “complete and total ceasefire.”
According to Trump, the ceasefire was structured in phases over 24 hours, culminating in the end of what he described as the “12-day war.”
The president credited the agreement to behind-the-scenes negotiations involving senior US officials and diplomatic channels through Qatar.
The Emir of Qatar reportedly played a crucial mediating role, persuading Iran to accept the US-proposed terms after Iran’s retaliatory missile strikes on a US base in Qatar.
Despite the announcement, Iran’s state media indicated that the ceasefire had been “imposed on the enemy” rather than mutually agreed upon.
An Iranian anchor on state-run Iran National News Network stated that the success of Iran’s missile operations and the unity of its people led to the ceasefire.
Tensions remained high, as Iran’s air defences were still active over Tehran after the ceasefire was made public. CNN’s Fred Pleitgen reported sightings of anti-aircraft fire illuminating the sky in the Iranian capital.
Missile attacks continued in Israel as well. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) reported that missiles were launched from Iran toward the country, prompting air raid sirens and activation of defence systems across multiple regions.
In Beer Sheva, a missile struck a residential building, killing three civilians and injuring six others, according to Israel’s emergency service Magen David Adom.
Earlier in the day, Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi hinted at the end of hostilities, stating that Iranian military operations ceased around 4 a.m. Tehran time.
However, Araghchi had earlier clarified that there was no formal ceasefire agreement unless Israel halted its operations.
Simultaneously, Israel launched renewed attacks in Tehran, with reports of multiple strikes across the Iranian capital.
Evacuation warnings were issued for areas including Mehran and District 6, further undermining hopes for a peaceful resolution.
The ceasefire follows significant military action by the US, which launched strikes on three Iranian nuclear facilities the previous weekend.
These actions, claimed by Trump to have “obliterated” Iran’s nuclear capabilities, were seen as a key factor compelling Iran to the negotiating table.
Oil markets reacted sharply to the ceasefire news. Crude prices dropped significantly, with Brent crude falling by 1.8% to US$67.17 per barrel, while West Texas Intermediate crude declined by 2% to US$67.13.
These figures marked a reversal from earlier spikes driven by fears of prolonged conflict.
While Trump and Republican lawmakers have praised the ceasefire as a triumph of diplomacy and strength, critics remain sceptical.
Democratic lawmakers expressed concern over the legality of Trump’s initial strikes on Iran without congressional approval, with some calling for legislative action to limit presidential war powers.
As of 24 June 2025, the situation remains volatile. Both Iran and Israel have yet to issue coordinated statements confirming the ceasefire, and military actions on both sides have continued despite the announcements.
The success and longevity of the ceasefire will depend heavily on de-escalation measures in the coming days and on the willingness of both parties to honour the agreement amidst deep-seated hostilities and public scepticism.
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