Israel and Iran have agreed to a ceasefire proposed by former US President Donald Trump, ending a 12-day conflict that threatened to destabilise the wider Middle East. The Trump ceasefire plan was accepted by both sides on Tuesday, shortly after a final exchange of deadly strikes.
The agreement came hours after Iran launched a limited missile attack on the US military base at Al Udeid in Qatar, and a final barrage of missiles into Israel that killed at least four people. In response, Israel carried out a wave of pre-dawn airstrikes on targets across Iran.
Israel’s Magen David Adom rescue services confirmed eight additional injuries in the early morning attack.
Trump calls it the ‘12 Day War’
In announcing the ceasefire, Trump referred to the conflict as the “12 Day War”, drawing a historical comparison to the 1967 “Six Day War” in which Israel fought Egypt, Jordan, and Syria. Trump’s role in securing the truce is being hailed by his supporters as a major diplomatic achievement.
The Trump ceasefire plan appears to have followed days of back-channel negotiations and international pressure, though its terms have not yet been made public.
How the war began
The fighting began on 13 June, when Israel launched a surprise offensive on Iranian sites. Israeli officials claimed the attack was necessary to prevent what they described as an imminent Iranian attempt to develop nuclear weapons.
Iran retaliated with a series of missile and drone strikes on Israeli targets, while Israel continued aerial assaults across Iranian territory, leading to mounting casualties and regional fears of escalation.
Netanyahu claims victory
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel accepted the Trump ceasefire plan in coordination with the former US president. He told Israel’s security cabinet on Monday that all war goals had been achieved.
These, according to Netanyahu, included neutralising Iran’s nuclear and missile capabilities, striking senior military and government targets, and achieving “aerial superiority” over Tehran.
“Israel will respond forcefully to any violation of the ceasefire,” Netanyahu warned.
Also read: Iranian attacks in Qatar: What we know so far
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