Iran and Israel Declare Halt to Attacks as Trump Announces 'Immediate Ceasefire' Deal
After days of tense missile exchanges, Iran and Israel have halted their attacks following pressure from President Trump, who announced both countries are seeking an immediate ceasefire. Trump said final peace negotiations on ending the 101-day war are proceeding rapidly.
Latest Escalation and De-escalation
Israel has halted attacks on Iran, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said, stopping short of acknowledging a ceasefire that US President Donald Trump said the countries were aiming for. Iran has also suspended its operations against Israel but warned it would resume them if Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon continue. The dramatic reversal came after US President Donald Trump said both Israel and Iran are looking to "do an immediate ceasefire," and that final negotiations on "peace" are proceeding.
Trump's Intervention and Statements
Trump told Netanyahu during a call to refrain from further strikes because "we are close to doing something good in terms of a deal." In a series of Truth Social posts, Trump emphasized momentum toward peace, stating "Both sides, Israel and Iran, are looking to do an immediate CEASEFIRE! Final negotiations on "Peace" are proceeding, subject to ignorance or stupidity getting in its way. The Blockade will remain in place, and in full force and effect, until a "Final Deal" is reached. Things should move quickly."
Remaining Obstacles
Despite the ceasefire declarations, significant challenges remain. Iran does "not see a serious will to reach a framework that could actually implement such a framework," with the Iranian official claiming the US had initially agreed to release Iran's frozen overseas assets "at the outset," but Tehran has so far observed no willingness from Washington to do so. Additionally, Israel has kept up attacks in Lebanon in a conflict with Hezbollah that Israeli officials insist should be treated separately from any Iran ceasefire. Tehran has long said any peace deal with the US would depend on a ceasefire also holding in Lebanon.
What Happens Next
Trump suggested that the United States would be declaring "total victory" over Iran in the next two weeks. "I think we are winning that battle, but you're really going to win it over the next two weeks when we declare total victory, it'll be a total victory, it'll happen very soon, and oil prices will come tumbling down." However, tensions remain fragile as both sides continue military preparations and the underlying disputes over frozen assets and Lebanon remain unresolved.