In a bold maneuver, US President Donald Trump has inserted the United States into the escalating conflict between Israel and Iran, a move that may be yielding positive results, at least temporarily.
On Monday evening, Trump announced that both nations had agreed to a ceasefire, which he believes could pave the way for lasting peace in the region. If this ceasefire effectively brings an end to what Trump has termed the “12 Day War,” it may represent a significant de-escalation from a conflict that appeared poised to engulf not only these nations but also draw the United States further in, especially following the recent US airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities.
“Provided that the Israeli regime stops its illegal aggression against the Iranian people no later than 4 am Tehran time,” Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated, “we have no intention to continue our response afterwards.”
In a response to the Iranian proposal, the Israeli government confirmed its compliance after it claimed to have achieved its objectives through its recent military actions against Iran. As the deadline of 04:00 (00:30 GMT) approached, both parties appeared to be reducing hostilities, with reports indicating that Israeli attacks had ceased.
However, the tenuous nature of this agreement was quickly revealed when Israel’s defense minister accused Iran of breaching the ceasefire just two hours later, vowing a robust response. Conversely, Iran denied any such violation of the terms.
Tensions remain high despite ceasefire
The Trump administration is likely hoping this incident is merely a temporary setback amidst ongoing tensions, with the hope that the ceasefire will ultimately hold firm.
The announcement of the ceasefire followed a turbulent day in the Middle East, as Iran executed its promised retaliation for the US strike on its nuclear facilities. Early reports indicated that Iranian missiles targeting a major US base in Qatar were successfully intercepted, resulting in no American casualties or damage.
During his Saturday evening address, Trump cautioned that any Iranian attacks on US interests would meet with a formidable American response. He assured that additional targets remained on standby for potential strikes, should the need arise.
For more than 24 hours, the international community held its breath, awaiting Iran’s response. Once it occurred, the spotlight shifted back to Trump, who took to social media to share his perspective.
“Iran has officially responded to our Obliteration of their Nuclear Facilities with a very weak response, which we expected, and have very effectively countered,” Trump remarked, adding, “perhaps Iran can now proceed to Peace and Harmony in the Region.”
With damage reportedly limited, Trump appeared inclined to refrain from further military action, potentially in hopes of encouraging genuine negotiations from Iran. Behind closed doors, the White House is said to be coordinating with Qatari mediators and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to finalize the ceasefire details.
Historical context of US-Iran relations
Trump’s decision to strike Iran marks a high-risk strategy, but it may already be showing signs of fruitful outcomes. This dynamic echoes events from January 2020, when Trump ordered the assassination of Iranian Revolutionary Guard leader Qasem Soleimani in Baghdad. Following that, Iran retaliated by launching missiles at US military bases in Iraq, resulting in injuries to over 100 American soldiers; however, the US opted against further escalation, allowing for cooler heads to prevail.
Reports indicate that Iran’s latest missile strikes on Monday were proportionate, matching the total number of bombs dropped by US warplanes during the weekend’s attacks. This calculated response, along with advance notification to the Qatari government, suggests that Iran is seeking to avoid further escalation.
Throughout the day, Trump’s focus shifted toward the implications for oil prices and the coverage by American media, as well as remarks by former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev concerning nuclear weapons. US officials have emphasized that this president tends to follow through on threats, in contrast to some of his predecessors.
Nevertheless, should Iran launch additional attacks resulting in American casualties or significant damage, the pressure on Trump to retaliate would undoubtedly intensify. For now, however, he seems to be considering a pathway away from further conflict, with both nations appearing open to that possibility.