Israel-Iran Conflict: Ceasefire Looms as Trump Brokers Truce Amid Escalating Missile Strikes

In a significant turn of events, both Israel and Iran signaled conditional agreement to a ceasefire proposed by U.S. President Donald Trump, potentially ending 12 days of devastating conflict that has rocked the Middle East and drawn international concern.

Trump’s proposal, introduced after a limited Iranian missile strike on a U.S. base in Qatar, called for an immediate cessation of hostilities. Hours later, both nations appeared to pause their assaults, though Iranian officials emphasized the move was not yet final.

Iranian state media confirmed that a ceasefire had technically gone into effect. However, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi tempered expectations, writing on social platform X:

“As of now, there is NO 'agreement' on any ceasefire or cessation of military operations… If the Israeli regime stops its illegal aggression… by 4 AM Tehran time, we have no intention to continue our response.”

The conflict’s latest chapter included retaliatory missile barrages from both sides. Israeli strikes reportedly killed nine Iranians, including a prominent nuclear scientist, according to Iranian media. Meanwhile, an Iranian missile landed on a residential building in Israel's southern city of Be’er Sheva, killing at least seven people and wounding dozens more.

While Iranian officials remained largely silent following Trump's ceasefire announcement, earlier comments indicated readiness to de-escalate if Israel halted its operations.

President Trump framed the development as a major diplomatic success. His intervention followed heightened regional tensions and growing global pressure to prevent further civilian casualties and economic fallout.

The situation remains fluid, with Iran signaling that the final decision on its military posture is still under review. Yet, observers see cautious optimism that a broader truce may emerge—if both nations hold fire.

The ceasefire, if it holds, could mark the end of one of the most dangerous escalations between the two regional powers in recent years.