On June 23, 2025, President Donald Trump announced via social media a "Complete and Total CEASEFIRE" between Israel and Iran, marking an apparent end to what he called the "12-day war." The announcement came amid heightened tensions following a series of military strikes and missile attacks between the two nations and the United States. Trump detailed that the truce would take effect in approximately six hours after both parties completed their military missions, with Iran initiating a 12-hour cessation of hostilities followed by Israel, culminating in a 24-hour period of peace that would officially end the conflict.
Despite the president's proclamation, there was no immediate confirmation from either the Israeli or Iranian governments. The announcement followed a day of escalating violence, including intensified Israeli airstrikes on Tehran targeting "regime targets," such as the notorious Evin Prison and the Revolutionary Guard's internal security headquarters. Earlier that day, Israel had issued an evacuation warning to residents in a densely populated district of Tehran, urging them to avoid military and security installations amid ongoing strikes.
The conflict's flare-up began on June 13, 2025, when Israel launched airstrikes against Iranian nuclear and military infrastructure, killing top military leaders and nuclear scientists. This campaign was supported and coordinated with the United States, which on June 21 ordered airstrikes on three Iranian nuclear facilities at Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan. These strikes employed 14 Massive Ordnance Penetrators (MOPs), 30,000-pound bunker-busting bombs, marking their first operational use. Trump asserted the sites were "totally obliterated," though independent assessments remain pending, and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has not yet conducted inspections.
Iran responded with a missile attack on Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, the largest U.S. military facility in the Middle East and home to about 10,000 troops, including the forward headquarters for U.S. Central Command. Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps claimed the assault was "devastating and powerful," but Qatari air defenses intercepted 13 of the 14 missiles, and the remaining missile was deemed nonthreatening. There were no casualties or significant damage reported. Trump described the Iranian attack as a "very weak response" and thanked Iran for the advance warning that allowed for the base's evacuation, emphasizing hopes for "Peace and Harmony in the Region." Qatar condemned the missile launch as a "flagrant violation" of its sovereignty and international law.
Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and special envoy Steve Witkoff were involved in negotiating the ceasefire through direct and indirect channels with Iran, with assistance from Qatar's Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani. A senior White House official confirmed direct communication between Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, with Israel agreeing to the ceasefire provided Iran refrained from further attacks.
The broader international community reacted cautiously. Russian President Vladimir Putin, hosting Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in Moscow, condemned the U.S. strikes as "unprovoked aggression" and expressed readiness to assist the Iranian people. French President Emmanuel Macron diverged from other Western allies by stating there was "no legality to" the U.S. strikes, although he shared the objective of preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons through diplomatic means. Middle Eastern countries including Egypt, Jordan, Bahrain, Oman, Kuwait, and the United Arab Emirates voiced support for Qatar and called for de-escalation and diplomacy.
Meanwhile, the conflict caused significant disruptions in the region. Iraq and Kuwait closed their airspace, with Qatar and Bahrain temporarily suspending flights as precautionary measures amid fears of escalation. The U.S. Embassy in Qatar issued an urgent security alert advising American citizens to shelter in place. The State Department evacuated approximately 250 U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents from Israel via seven flights since June 21.
Financial markets responded to the unfolding events with initial volatility. Oil prices spiked on reports of missile attacks but subsequently plunged as Iran refrained from closing the Strait of Hormuz—a vital shipping lane for approximately 20% of the world's oil and gas. Analysts warned that any disruption of this chokepoint could send oil prices soaring to $130-150 per barrel, impacting global energy markets and consumer prices, particularly in the United States. President Trump urged the Department of Energy to "DRILL, BABY, DRILL!!! And I mean NOW!!!" and called on all parties to keep oil prices down, warning against actions that would "play right into the hands of the enemy." The Dow Jones, S&P 500, and Nasdaq closed higher on the day, reflecting investor relief at the limited scope of Iran's retaliation.
Domestically, the U.S. political landscape reflected deep divisions over the conflict. House Speaker Mike Johnson opposed a bipartisan war powers resolution aimed at restricting unauthorized hostilities in Iran, emphasizing the president's constitutional authority as Commander in Chief. Conversely, lawmakers like Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Rep. Thomas Massie criticized the strikes as unconstitutional and a violation of the War Powers Resolution of 1973, which mandates congressional notification within 48 hours of military action. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries demanded that the Trump administration explain how it would avoid being "dragged into another prolonged war in the Middle East." Within Trump's own political base, figures such as Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene expressed sharp criticism, accusing the president of a "bait and switch" that contradicted his campaign promises of "NO MORE FOREIGN WARS."
The conflict's human toll has been severe. The Human Rights Activists News Agency reported approximately 950 deaths and 3,450 injuries in Iran due to Israeli strikes as of June 23, 2025. Israeli officials reported missile impacts with no casualties within Israel, though power disruptions affected about 8,000 households. The Israeli military expanded its strikes to include symbols of Iranian state oppression, such as Evin Prison, a site notorious for detaining political prisoners and journalists.
Iran’s parliament voted to support closing the Strait of Hormuz, though the final decision rests with the Supreme National Security Council. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt warned that such a move would be "foolish" and reiterated the administration's stance that the U.S. military action aimed to eliminate Iran's nuclear capabilities, not to pursue regime change. However, President Trump himself raised the prospect of regime change on social media, suggesting that if the current Iranian regime fails to "MAKE IRAN GREAT AGAIN," a change could be inevitable.
The United Nations nuclear watchdog, led by Rafael Grossi, anticipated "very significant damage" to the Fordow nuclear enrichment site due to the U.S. bombing but highlighted the need for a cessation of hostilities to allow inspections. Satellite imagery revealed severe damage to aboveground facilities and bomb entry points underground at Iran's nuclear sites.
As the ceasefire announcement brought cautious relief, many in the region and beyond remain vigilant. Former U.S. intelligence officials warn that Iran's retaliation could take various forms, including missile attacks, militia actions, or hostage-taking, potentially extending the conflict's duration and complexity. The coming days will test the durability of the ceasefire and the prospects for lasting peace in a region long marked by volatility.