Israel-Iran Ceasefire Updates – Ceasefire or Just a Temporary Halt?
June 24, 2025, 1:20 PM IST
Late Monday night, US President Donald Trump stunned the world by declaring Israel-Iran Ceasefire. On Truth Social, he claimed that Iran and Israel had reached a “complete and total ceasefire”. According to him, it would last for 12 hours, and the war would officially end once both nations completed their final missions.
But within minutes, doubts arose because Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi denied Israel-Iran Ceasefire deal. He stated that Iran was open to peace, but only on condition that Israel should stop its airstrikes by 4:00 a.m. local time.
So, can we consider that there is peace, or is this just a pause?
How the Conflict Escalated
This round of conflict began on June 13. Israel launched a surprise series of attacks on nuclear sites in Iran, claiming it was a preemptive strike to stop Iran from making nuclear weapons. In response, Iran struck back with missile and drone attacks, targeting Israel and US interests in the region.
The United States joined the war between Israel and Iran by bombing Iranian nuclear facilities. Iranian leaders said that the US bombing was a violation of their sovereignty. Iran has also launched missiles at US bases in the Gulf.
Table of Contents
Alarming Attack on US Base in Qatar
Iran launched “Operation Basharat al-Fath” against US bases in Qatar in response to the American strikes that hit Iranian nuclear facilities, Isfahan, Fordow, and Natanz.
Iran had fired 19 missiles at the Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar on Monday night. The US Air Base in Qatar is America’s largest base in the Middle East. Qatar has confirmed that a missile had struck the facility, but fortunately, no one was injured.
This attack prompted Qatar to temporarily close its airspace. It had warned that it reserved the right to respond, and this is in line with international law. This US base is located southwest of Doha, which is home to around 10,000 US troops. It’s a key strategic location.
British and American citizens were asked to take shelter. The warning was later lifted when Iran signalled the attack was over.
Iran’s Statement: Fight Continued Until 4 AM
Iran’s Foreign Minister Araghchi has shared a detailed post on X, which said: Iran’s military operations against Israel continued until exactly 4:00 a.m. He praised his armed forces for protecting their nation.
Araghchi said, “Together with all Iranians, I thank our brave Armed Forces who remain ready to defend our dear country until their last drop of blood.”
However, he also suggested that Iran was willing to stop fighting—if Israel does too.
Also Read:
Israel-Iran Ceasefire Timeline: Key Moments Unfold
- Monday, 10:30 p.m. – Iran attacked the US base in Qatar.
- Early Tuesday, 3:30 a.m. – Trump announces ceasefire.
- 4:00 a.m. – Iran confirms no more strikes if Israel stops.
- Post-4:00 a.m. – Silence on the ground, but no official Israeli statement.
Despite the timeline, there’s no formal agreement. Iran said that it has no intention to continue if left unprovoked.
Israel-Iran Ceasefire – Is Israel In or Out?
One of the biggest mysteries is Israel’s position. As per local media reports, Israel may have accepted the ceasefire, but Tel Aviv has yet to officially confirm anything. The Israeli military spokesperson declined to comment on this.
Iran remains cautious. Araghchi repeated and said, “As of now, there is NO agreement on any ceasefire.” The ball is in Israel’s court.
Qatar’s Role: The Hidden Mediator
According to US officials, Trump reached out to the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, and asked him to mediate. Qatar’s Prime Minister reportedly contacted Iran and helped shape a US-proposed ceasefire deal.
Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and special envoy Steve Witkoff were all involved in backchannel talks. The White House insists the US bombing of Iran’s nuclear sites forced both sides to the table.
Trump spoke directly to the Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to get Israel’s tentative nod.
Bombs Fall Even After Ceasefire Announcement
While Trump was congratulating the world on a deal, explosions rocked Tehran. Iranian media reported that Israel had launched missiles in multiple areas of the capital. A cloud of smoke was seen rising in central Tehran.
Israel asked residents of Districts 6 and 7 to evacuate, fearing a missile attack. These strikes cast doubt on whether both sides were truly winding down.
Europe and the Region React
Regional Tensions
Meanwhile, Oil tankers continue to move freely through the Strait of Hormuz, but there is an imminent risk of disruption. A drone crash in Jordan added to the panic, causing material damage.
Precautionary measures were taken by Qatar, UAE, Bahrain, and Kuwait by shutting down their respective airspaces.
Global Opinions
- France has criticised Israel for striking Evin prison in Tehran.
- Italy has opposed any EU action targeting Israel.
- Germany has reported no security threat at home.
- Russia has said that the US bombing was a threat to nuclear stability.
Russia’s Deputy Foreign Minister said that there was little hope of reviving the 2015 Iran nuclear deal, although diplomacy remained vital.
Israel-Iran Ceasefire – Iran Stands Its Ground
Iran continues to frame its actions as defensive. Araghchi said, “As Iran has repeatedly made clear: Israel launched war on Iran, not the other way around.”
The foreign ministry stated that any further aggression will be met with force. But if Israel stopped, Iran would also step back.
Evacuation of Americans Underway
In response to growing danger, the US has evacuated over 250 citizens and family members from Israel. The evacuees were flown to countries like Greece, Italy, and Cyprus. The US thanked those governments for helping.
The US Embassy in Qatar has confirmed that operations will return to normal the next day.
Congress Pushes Back on Trump
A group of House Democrats is drafting a War Powers Resolution to rein in Trump’s ability to unilaterally engage Iran. Led by Jim Himes, Greg Meeks, and Adam Smith, the measure would be more balanced than previous proposals.
Lawmakers were caught off guard by Trump’s sudden military strikes and equally abrupt ceasefire declaration.
Also Read:
Israel-Iran Ceasefire – Trump Calls It the “12 Day War”
Trump named the conflict the “12 Day War,” on social media. He made comparisons to the 1967 Six-Day War. Emotional reactions across the Arab world sparked over Trump’s use of the phrase, especially from the Palestinians.
Israel-Iran Ceasefire – Will This Ceasefire Hold?
Right now, the world is watching. There is no signed agreement between Israel and Iran. Iran said that it will stop only if Israel stops. Israel has not spoken officially.
The Israel-Iran ceasefire updates show how fragile peace in this region can be. The silence after 4:00 a.m. gives us hope. But the explosions in Tehran remind us that one wrong step could reignite the fire.
Final Words on Israel-Iran Ceasefire: Hope, Uncertainty, and Tension
The announcement of a ceasefire by Trump brought a moment of relief to a tense world. But there has been no official acknowledgement from Israel and Iran. The situation remains delicate. As things stand now, the guns are silent, but not stored away. The world hopes that behind-the-scenes diplomacy can turn this silence into lasting peace.
The question is whether this Israel-Iran Ceasefire hold good!
