Ceasefire Now in Effect: Trump’s Unlikely Peace Deal Explained

How Trump Brokered a Ceasefire Between Israel and Iran

In a dramatic turn of events, President Donald Trump has successfully brokered a ceasefire between Israel and Iran, bringing a temporary halt to the escalating conflict in the Middle East. Announced on June 24, 2025, this ceasefire follows a series of intense military actions that had the world on edge. Let’s explore how Trump facilitated this agreement, the events leading up to it, and what it might mean for the future.

Background: Rising Tensions and Military Strikes

The path to this ceasefire was marked by significant tension and military action. On June 22, 2025, the United States, under President Trump’s directive, launched strikes on three key Iranian nuclear facilities: Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan. These strikes, carried out using B2 bombers and bunker buster bombs, aimed to cripple Iran’s nuclear capabilities. The operation, codenamed “Midnight Hammer,” represented a major escalation in the ongoing conflict between Iran and Israel, with the U.S. now directly involved .

In retaliation, Iran launched a barrage of missiles at the Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, a key U.S. military installation. Fortunately, due to advance warning, there were no casualties, and Qatar’s air defenses intercepted many of the missiles. This attack echoed a similar incident in January 2020, when Iran targeted U.S. bases in Iraq following the assassination of General Qassem Soleimani.

Meanwhile, direct conflict between Israel and Iran intensified. Iran launched missiles at Israeli cities like Tel Aviv and Haifa, while Israel retaliated with strikes on Iranian targets, including the Fordow nuclear facility and the Evin prison in Tehran. A missile strike in Be’er Sheva, Israel, killed four and wounded eight, underscoring the human toll. The situation was critical, with both sides suffering casualties and the risk of further escalation looming large.

The Ceasefire: Trump’s Diplomatic Effort

Amid this turmoil, President Trump took decisive action to de escalate the situation. On June 23, 2025, he engaged in direct talks with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Concurrently, Vice President JD Vance held discussions with Iranian officials, and Qatar’s Prime Minister played a crucial role in securing Iran’s agreement to the ceasefire.

The terms of the ceasefire stipulate that Israel will halt its military operations as long as Iran refrains from launching any fresh attacks. Iran’s Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, indicated that Iran would cease its attacks if Israel stopped its bombings, showing a mutual desire to avoid further conflict. A White House official confirmed Israel’s agreement was contingent on Iran’s restraint, highlighting the delicate balance of the deal.

President Trump announced the ceasefire on his social media platform, Truth Social, describing it as “complete and total,” set to take effect immediately. He expressed hope that this agreement would last “forever,” bringing much-needed stability to the region.

The recent missile strike by Iran on the U.S. base in Qatar bears a striking resemblance to the January 2020 attack on the Ayn al-Asad base in Iraq. In both cases, Iran launched missiles in retaliation for U.S. actions the killing of General Soleimani in 2020 and the strikes on its nuclear facilities in 2025. Notably, in both instances, the U.S. had advance warning, allowing forces to take shelter and avoid casualties .

In 2020, Iran informed the Iraqi government shortly before the attack, and in 2025, prior notice was given to U.S. officials, suggesting a deliberate effort to limit damage. This indicates Iran’s actions were calculated to demonstrate strength and resolve without provoking a full scale war. By staging limited, pre announced attacks, Iran can satisfy domestic demands for retaliation while minimising the risk of further escalation.

This pattern suggests Iran’s leadership is keen on managing both internal and external pressures carefully, avoiding actions that could lead to a direct and uncontrollable conflict with the United States or Israel.

Analysis: Theatrics or Strategic Move?

Iran’s missile strike on U.S. bases in the Middle East closely mirrors the January 2020 attack on Ayn al-Asad base, which was Tehran’s calculated retaliation for Soleimani’s killing. Reports suggest Washington anticipated the strike. U.S. airspace closures, rapid deployment of air defenses, and early Western media coverage all pointed to foreknowledge. By staging a limited, pre announced attack, Iran demonstrates strength domestically while avoiding direct escalation with the U.S., a balanced move to manage both internal and external pressures. Does this mean all this was theatrics? Was this attack on the U.S. bases a way for Iran to save face?

In a sense, yes. The absence of casualties and Iran’s advance notice support the idea that the strike was more symbolic than destructive. Iran’s Supreme National Security Council noted that the number of missiles fired matched the number of bombs used in the U.S. strike, signaling a desire to de escalate. They also emphasised that the targeted base was away from urban areas, ensuring no threat to Qatar or its people.

This balanced response allows Iran to maintain its stance against aggression while opening the door for diplomatic solutions, such as the ceasefire brokered by President Trump. The ceasefire can be seen as a strategic pause, giving all parties a chance to reassess their positions and potentially engage in negotiations to address underlying issues.

Conclusion: A Step Toward Peace?

The ceasefire brokered by President Trump marks a critical juncture in the ongoing tensions between Israel, Iran, and the United States. While it brings a temporary halt to hostilities, the underlying conflicts and geopolitical rivalries remain unresolved. The effectiveness of this ceasefire will depend on the willingness of all parties to adhere to its terms and engage in meaningful dialogue.

Will the Ceasefire Stay ?

Although the ceasefire is in place, but just 3 hours after that, Iran has launched fresh set of Ballistic Missiles on Israel. And now Israel will retliate ? here is what some of their ministers have to say :

Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich: “Tehran will tremble.”

Defense Minister Israel Katz: In light of Iran’s blatant violation of the ceasefire declared by the President of the United States by launching missiles toward Israel and in accordance with the Israeli government’s policy to respond forcefully to any breach, I have instructed the IDF, in coordination with the Prime Minister, to continue the intense operations targeting regime assets and terror infrastructure in Tehran.

Israeli Minister MK Avigdor Lieberman: Three and a half hours after the President of the United States announced a ceasefire, rockets were fired from Iran toward northern Israel. We must not absorb this. We must not turn a blind eye. We must respond immediately.

The international community, including key players like Qatar, will likely play a vital role in facilitating more discussions. As the situation continues to unfold, it is essential to monitor developments closely and hope that this ceasefire paves the way for lasting peace in the region.

Sources : BBC News , NPR , en.wikipedia.org , The Guardian , Reuters , NBC News

Also Read : The B2 Bomber Strike on Iran: All You Need to Know