Trump Announces Ceasefire Between Iran and Israel
Former President Donald Trump declared a staggered ceasefire between Iran and Israel on Monday, potentially preventing an escalation into a wider conflict. The ceasefire is set to begin at 0400 GMT Tuesday, with Iran ceasing operations first, followed 12 hours later by Israel. The announcement comes amid intense missile exchanges that have resulted in hundreds of casualties, and increased military actions from the U.S.
In a surprising turn of events, former President Donald Trump announced on Monday that a staggered ceasefire has been reached between Iran and Israel. This development, which could potentially prevent a broader conflict involving the United States, comes following intense exchanges of missile fire. Trump declared on his Truth Social platform that both countries agreed to a “Complete and Total CEASEFIRE,” although official confirmation from either side is still pending.
The hostilities had escalated dramatically over a week, with missile launches resulting in significant casualties: hundreds in Iran, and around two dozen in Israel, as reported by officials. Over the weekend, the U.S. entered the fray with airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, prompting Iran to retaliate with missile attacks on an American base in Qatar. Trump claimed that this assault was successfully countered, indicating that no harm had come to U.S. personnel.
The proposed ceasefire, as Trump explained, will initiate a phased 24-hour process. Beginning at around 0400 GMT on Tuesday, Iran is expected to unilaterally cease all military operations, followed by Israel, 12 hours later. Trump confidently asserted that within 24 hours, a formal conclusion to the ongoing conflict would take place, emphasizing a collaborative effort for both nations to maintain peace during the process.
Meanwhile, reports from Tehran hinted at ongoing tensions, with loud explosions reported in the city. The Israeli military has been proactive, urging residents in certain areas of the Iranian capital to evacuate amid fears of continued strikes. The situation remained intensely precarious, given the week-long exchange of hostilities that saw Israel launching “preemptive” strikes against Iranian nuclear sites on June 13.
The announcement of the ceasefire came shortly after Iran’s missile strike on the sizable U.S. military establishment in the Middle East, Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar. Trump called Iran’s action “very weak” and reiterated his call for de-escalation. The National Security Council of Iran indicated its attack was a retaliation to U.S. actions against its nuclear facilities, maintaining it was a measured response meant to avoid American casualties.
As international outrage and fear of broader conflict surged, leaders like French President Emmanuel Macron urged for an end to what he termed a “spiral of chaos.” Meanwhile, the Chinese government voiced concerns regarding potential economic repercussions stemming from the rising tensions between the U.S. and Iran.
In the aftermath of the retaliatory strikes, Iran’s statements referred to the attacks in Qatar as a proportional escalation responding to U.S. aggression. Official media in Iran broadcast celebrations after the missile strikes, with citizens gathering and expressing defiance, waving flags and chanting against the U.S.
In response to the developments, Qatar has enacted temporary closures to its airspace, and the U.S. Embassy, along with other missions, advised their citizens to stay indoors. The human cost of the conflict has been substantial, with the Iranian health ministry indicating over 400 deaths resulting from Israeli strikes, contrasting with the 24 fatalities reported from Iranian attacks on Israel.
In summary, Trump’s announcement of a staggered ceasefire aims to halt a conflict between Iran and Israel that has escalated over the past week, resulting in significant casualties on both sides. Despite tensions and ongoing military actions, the ceasefire’s phased approach may provide a platform for peace. As international leaders call for de-escalation, uncertainty remains over whether this truce can withstand the pressures of the ongoing adversarial dynamics in the region.
Original Source: www.jamaicaobserver.com
