US President Trump says military operations expected to wind down within next six hours
WASHINGTON: (UrduPoint/Pakistan Point News-June 24th, 2025) A dramatic and unexpected ceasefire between Iran and Israel was announced by US President Donald Trump, bringing a temporary halt to the escalating conflict that had pushed the middle East to the brink of a regional war.
President Trump said both Iran and Israel have agreed to a full and final ceasefire, with military operations expected to wind down within the next six hours. Trump made the announcement via his social media platform Truth Social, stating, “Congratulations world — Iran and Israel have agreed to a ceasefire.”
Under the agreement, Iran is to halt all military operations immediately, while Israel is expected to follow suit within 12 hours. The ceasefire is set to be recognized globally as the official end to a 12-day conflict once the 24-hour de-escalation window is completed.
Trump warned both sides against violating the ceasefire, emphasizing, “Neither party should break this truce.” He also called on both nations to maintain a peaceful and dignified posture to avoid provocations that could reignite hostilities.
“This was a war that could have lasted for years and destroyed the Middle East — but it won’t, and it hasn’t,” Trump said emotionally. “The world has narrowly avoided a catastrophe.”
He congratulated the leadership of both Iran and Israel for their “courage, perseverance, and wisdom” and prayed for peace across the Middle East, the United States, and the world.
According to reports by American media, Qatar played a pivotal diplomatic role in brokering the ceasefire. Sources claim that Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani personally intervened during negotiations, especially when US efforts to deliver a ceasefire proposal to Iran had stalled.
Qatari mediation became even more critical after Iran launched missiles at US military bases in the region, including the Al Udeid base in Qatar. Following this, Qatar announced an indefinite closure of its airspace and issued safety directives, including school closures and stay-at-home advisories for citizens.
Despite Trump’s declaration, neither the Iranian nor Israeli governments have officially confirmed or denied the ceasefire agreement.
Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi responded via social media, stating that while Iran does not intend to escalate further if Israel halts its aggression, the final decision on military operations remains pending. “Iran has repeatedly made it clear — this war was initiated by Israel, not Iran,” Araghchi said.
Earlier, Iran had launched at least six missiles targeting the U.S. Al Udeid airbase in Qatar in response to American airstrikes on its nuclear facilities. Explosions were reported across Doha, with visible flames and sounds of blasts confirming missile impacts, although no casualties or damage reports have yet been released by Iran, the US or Qatar.
The past 24 hours have seen intense military exchanges. Iran’s latest missile barrage included ballistic missiles such as the Kheibar, targeting multiple Israeli locations and reportedly destroying a power plant, plunging several areas into darkness.
In retaliation, Israel claimed to have destroyed six Iranian airbases and multiple aircraft. Meanwhile, US President Trump confirmed that American B-2 bombers carried out successful strikes on three major Iranian nuclear facilities: Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan.
Trump stated, “Fordow nuclear plant has been completely destroyed. Our aircraft have exited Iranian airspace and are safely returning.” He hailed the operation as one of the most professional and successful airstrikes in history, crediting the US military for its precision.
Iranian media reported that in response to the US strikes, the Iranian officials warned that every American citizen and soldier in the region could be a target. Iran is reportedly preparing for a “full-scale retaliation” should further attacks occur.
President Trump, however, cautioned that if Iran does not de-escalate, the US is prepared to launch further strikes.
