Both parties agreed to the ceasefire, with the Israeli government claiming to have achieved its objectives.
The fragile ceasefire imposed by President Donald Trump between Israel and Iran appears to be holding. After last week’s seemingly devastating American strike against three Iranian nuclear facilities, the war may indeed be over, but the short road to peace was nonetheless rocky and the future remains uncertain.
Trump announced around 6 PM EST on June 23, via Truth Social, that the ceasefire would take effect “approximately 6 hours from now.” Iran was to observe the ceasefire beginning at midnight, with Israel following suit 12 hours later, at noon EST on June 24.
Each side seemingly rushed to launch final strikes before the deadline, with Israel striking the northern Iranian town of Astaneh-ye-Ashrafiyeh and reportedly killing nine people, including nuclear scientist Mohammed Reza Seddiqi Saberi. Meanwhile, Iran launched missiles at Israel, one of which struck a residential building in Beersheba, killing four people.
The Israel-Iran Ceasefire Is Still in Effect—for Now
At 1:08 AM on June 24, Trump’s Truth Social account announced that “THE CEASEFIRE IS NOW IN EFFECT. PLEASE DO NOT VIOLATE IT!”
Both parties agreed to the ceasefire, with the Israeli government claiming to have achieved its objectives. Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi claimed on X (formerly Twitter) that “the military operations of our powerful armed forces to punish Israel for its aggression continued until the very last minute, at 4am.”
But confusion reigned as Iranian state media reported that the ceasefire did not begin until 7:30 AM after at least one missile was launched from Iran after the deadline. Israeli defenses were activated but the missile was reported to have not landed. Iran denied the launch, but Israel launched a retaliatory airstrike, prompting direct intervention from Trump.
After news of the Israeli strike broke, Trump posted on Truth Social: “ISRAEL. DO NOT DROP THOSE BOMBS. IF YOU DO IT IS A MAJOR VIOLATION. BRING YOUR PILOTS HOME, NOW!”
The president also communicated directly with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, though the timeline is somewhat murky. Either way, the strike was recalled, which Trump also noted on social media. The ceasefire has held since that moment.
Reporters asked Trump about the volatile situation as he left the White House on Tuesday for the NATO Summit. Trump acknowledged the uncertainty and was clearly angry with both Iran and Israel. But he seemed to give Iran the benefit of the doubt regarding the final missile launch, repeating that it “didn’t land.”
The President said, “I’m not happy with Israel,” about the recalled strike, but then said, “I’m not happy with Iran, either.”
The most viral clip of the day, however, came when Trump’s apparent frustration boiled over as he noted that the two sides had been fighting for so long and so hard that they do not know what they are doing. The President’s statement included a strong expletive that clearly expressed his feelings.
Trump then boarded his helicopter, reportedly calling Netanyahu from the air. CBS News reported that the President was “exceptionally firm and direct,” according to a White House official, and that Netanyahu seemingly got the message.
The Middle East Has Seemingly Returned to Normal
The Israeli government dropped all restrictions on Wednesday, allowing businesses and schools to reopen, along with international flights in and out of the country. That’s a good sign that Israel is at least cautiously optimistic that the ceasefire will hold, hopefully leading to a lasting peace.
As one might expect, both Iran and Israel are claiming victory. Israeli and American claims regarding Iran’s nuclear program range from its being set back by years to decades. However, a classified Defense Intelligence Agency report allegedly says the strikes’ damage will only cost the Iranians mere months. The Trump Administration has since disputed this report, claiming it originated from an anonymous, low-level intelligence staffer.
A thorough battle damage assessment of the strikes is difficult to carry out, given US analysts’ inability to physically inspect the sites themselves. Further study and intelligence will be required to confirm any initial assessments.
Part of Trump’s deal with Iran will necessarily include the regime’s cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). But Iran’s parliament voted on Wednesday to fast-track a proposal to halt all such cooperation immediately. Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei would need to formally approve the proposal, should it pass.
The ceasefire remains in effect as of this writing. Trump is likely forging ahead with his proposed deal—with Secretary of State Marco Rubio calling for direct communication between the United States and Iran, which has previously only occurred through intermediaries. All sides seem to be jockeying for best advantage, with Trump in the middle.
About the Author: William Lawson
William Lawson is a military historian focusing on World War II and 20th century conflicts and the American Civil War. His specialty is operational level warfare, especially American amphibious doctrine. He writes on history, politics, and firearms for multiple publications and historical journals. He serves on the editorial advisory board for the Saber & Scroll Journal and Military History Chronicles and is a member of the Society for Military History and the American Historical Association. Lawson is based in Virginia.
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