By Iran and Israel reach fragile ceasefire after 12 days of conflict, with U.S. mediation and Qatar’s diplomacy playing key roles.
After almost two weeks of heavy fighting, Iran and Israel have agreed to stop. This gives both sides a short but important break from the violence that could have grown into a bigger war.
A Surprising Announcement from Washington
Former U.S. President Donald Trump announced the ceasefire publicly. He called it a “complete and total” agreement. Though initially met with skepticism, both Iran and Israel later confirmed the halt in operations.
Iran’s Conditional Compliance
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi made Tehran’s stance clear. Iran would stop military actions only if Israel ended its strikes. “We do not seek further escalation,” he noted. However, just before the deadline, Iran launched another wave of missiles into disputed territories.
Israel Accepts with a Warning
Israel also agreed to the ceasefire. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that their goals had been achieved. But he cautioned: any future attacks would be met with a swift response.
Qatar’s Role as Diplomatic Bridge
Behind the scenes, Qatar helped broker the deal. Its prime minister communicated with Iranian officials after a missile strike hit a U.S. base in Qatar. This opened a path toward dialogue.
The Violence Before the Truce
Despite the agreement, violence continued until the last moments. A deadly strike in Beersheba, Israel, claimed several lives just hours before the ceasefire began.
Global Reactions Call for Calm
Leaders across the globe welcomed the ceasefire. The United Nations, European Union, and others urged both nations to maintain peace and seek long-term solutions.
Analysts Warn of a Temporary Pause
Experts see this ceasefire as more of a tactical pause than a peace breakthrough. No treaty has been signed. The trust deficit between the two nations remains deep.
A Brief Respite for Civilians
For many civilians, the ceasefire is a chance to breathe. Hospitals have been overwhelmed. Families have been displaced. The truce, though uncertain, brings a moment of relief.
Watching What Comes Next
While the region remains tense, hopes for lasting peace persist. Whether this ceasefire holds—or crumbles—depends on what both sides do next. For now, the guns have fallen silent.
