TLDR:
• Iran, Israel agree to full ceasefire
• Truce begins within six hours
• Trump hails war’s diplomatic end
WASHINGTON (The Thursday Times) —
A full ceasefire agreement has been reached between Iran and Israel, bringing an end to nearly two weeks of conflict that had pushed the Middle East to the edge. According to U.S. President Donald J. Trump, the truce will begin within six hours, with phased steps leading to a complete cessation of hostilities over a twenty-four hour period.
Phased de-escalation process begins
The process will commence with Iran initiating a unilateral ceasefire, followed twelve hours later by a corresponding move from Israel. At the twenty-four hour mark, the war will be officially deemed over. The plan, which Trump claims has been fully agreed by both parties, hinges on mutual restraint, with each side expected to remain peaceful and respectful during the ceasefire window.
The twelve-day conflict
The conflict, which lasted twelve days, involved high-stakes exchanges across several fronts and escalated dangerously with strikes on strategic sites, cyber offensives, and threats of regional spillover. Trump referred to the standoff as “The 12 Day War,” suggesting it could have expanded into a protracted and devastating regional conflict had it not been defused.
The confrontation saw heightened rhetoric, international concern, and fears of military entanglements involving U.S. allies. Although intense, the conflict stopped short of full-scale regional war — a line that now seems avoided, at least temporarily.
Diplomatic choreography and political timing
The deal’s timing and structure suggest carefully choreographed diplomacy, with Washington playing a decisive backchannel role. Trump praised both Iran and Israel for what he described as stamina and intelligence, acknowledging that it took political will from both capitals to halt the escalation.
Behind the scenes, diplomatic efforts appear to have accelerated after international pressure mounted, particularly from Europe, the Gulf, and multilateral bodies urging an immediate end to hostilities.
Trump’s messaging and legacy play
Trump’s announcement was made with theatrical precision, combining triumphalism with strategic framing. He declared the ceasefire a success for peace and stability and positioned himself as the architect of its outcome — in a tone tailored for both global applause and domestic political capital.
He concluded with a sweeping blessing, invoking the safety of Israel, Iran, the Middle East, America, and the world — signalling a moment he intends to mark as historically significant.
