US President, Donald Trump has stated that a ceasefire agreed between Israel and Iran is now in effect, and urged both sides not to violate it.
The announcement comes after Iran launched several volleys of missiles at Israel, killing at least four people in the southern city of Beersheba.
Trump announced earlier that the ceasefire would be a phased 24-hour process beginning at about 04:00 GMT on Tuesday, with Iran unilaterally halting all operations. Israel would follow suit 12 hours later.
Trump sent out a post on his Truth Social platform at around 6pm local time on Monday in Washington DC (22:00 GMT) stating that the ceasefire would begin to take effect “in approximately 6 hours from now.”
That six-hour period – which expired at 04:00 GMT (7:00 am in Israel, 7:30 am in Tehran) – was to allow Iran and Israel to wind down and complete their “final missions.”
Trump said that Iran will start the ceasefire first (04:00 GMT on Tuesday).
Israel will follow 12 hour later at 7pm local time (16:00 GMT).Israel must stick to the ceasefire for 12 hours, after which ceasefire will be considered to be in full effect.
Just a few hours after he announced a ceasefire deal, Trump said in a post on Truth Social, “Israel & Iran came to me, almost simultaneously, and said, ‘PEACE!’ I knew the time was NOW.”
“The World, and the Middle East, are the real WINNERS! Both Nations will see tremendous LOVE, PEACE, AND PROSPERITY in their futures.
“They have so much to gain, and yet, so much to lose if they stray from the road of RIGHTEOUSNESS & TRUTH. The future for Israel & Iran is UNLIMITED, & filled with great PROMISE. GOD BLESS YOU BOTH!”
Donald Trump
The US President again took to Truth Social to laud the ceasefire deal he claimed he brokered between Israel and Iran, even as the deadly missile attacks continued on Israeli territory.
Referring to the US bombers used in the attacks on Iranian nuclear sites, Trump stated, “We couldn’t have made today’s ‘deal’ without the talent and courage of our great B-2 pilots, and all of those associated with that operation.”
“In a certain and very ironic way, that perfect ‘hit,’ late in the evening, brought everyone together, and the deal was made!!!”
Donald Trump
Iran’s state media confirmed a ceasefire deal.
The Israeli Prime Minister’s office also issued a statement on Trump’s ceasefire deal.
The Prime Minister’s office said that Netanyahu met his cabinet along with the Minister of defence and the Head of the Mossad last night “to report that Israel had achieved all of the objectives of Operation Rising Lion, and much more.”
It said that Israel has removed a “dual immediate existential threat – both in the nuclear and ballistic missile fields.”
It added that the Israeli military “achieved full air control over Tehran’s skies, inflicted severe damage on the military leadership, and destroyed dozens of central Iranian government targets.”
“In light of the achievement of the operation’s objectives, and in full coordination with President Trump, Israel has agreed to the President’s proposal for a bilateral ceasefire.
“Israel will respond forcefully to any violation of the ceasefire.”
Benjamin Netanyahu’s office
Call For Ceasefire To Include Gaza
Meanwhile, the Hostages and Missing Families Forum said in a statement on X that the ceasefire agreement must expand to include Gaza.
It urged the Israeli government to urgently engage in talks that will lead to the return of all hostages and the end of the war. “If they can achieve a ceasefire with Iran, they can also end the war in Gaza,” the Forum stressed.
“It is unthinkable that after a brilliant operation in Iran and a decisive, devastating blow to the Iranian axis, Israel would return to sinking in the Gaza quagmire. This contradicts all logic and every Israeli interest.”
Hostages and Missing Families Forum
The forum stated that ending the operation in Iran without leveraging it to secure the return of all hostages would be “a grave diplomatic failure.”
It added that there is a historic window of opportunity, and the Israeli government has a duty to “seize it with both hands.”
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