Uncertainty and confusion surrounded an unprecedented ceasefire announcement as a high-ranking Iranian official told CNN that Tehran received no official proposal from Washington and had no reason to halt its current military campaign against either Israel or Washington.
"Right now, the enemy is engaging in aggression against Iran, and Iran is about to ramp up its retaliatory attacks, with no one to hear out the enemy's lies," the official declared.
He also held the U.S. and Israeli leadership responsible for resorting to manipulative rhetoric as an excuse to increase attacks, labeling their allegations as "deception."
Adding to the confusion, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi informed journalists that there had been no ceasefire "agreement" between Israel and Iran, as reported in the media.
The contradictory reports set severe doubts on the validity and viability of any suggested truce. On Monday night, Israeli and Iranian officials had not publicly confirmed any agreed-upon formal agreement.
Additionally, there were no formal statements issued by the White House or the Pentagon, and it remained to be seen whether diplomatic negotiations had been conducted or either state had planned on adhering to the alleged terms.
In absence of confirmation from concerned parties, U.S. President Donald Trump declared Monday night that Israel and Iran had signed on to a complete ceasefire, formally ending the "12-Day War.".
Speaking in a statement uploaded to Truth Social, Trump commended both nations for achieving a breakthrough and revealed that the ceasefire would take off in about six hours, enabling each nation to slow down its current activities. He stated that the truce would initially run for 12 hours, with the two sides set to observe "peace and respect."
Trump explained that Iran would make the first move by stopping its attacks, and Israel would do the same 12 hours later. That incremental process, he stated, would conclude with an official end to the war at the 24-hour mark.
"Assuming all is well, and it will be," Trump wrote, "I would like to congratulate both nations. on having the strength, nerve, and wisdom to bring an end to what should be titled 'THE 12 DAY WAR.'"
Characterizing the evolution as a historic moment to avoid extended destruction throughout the Middle East, Trump finished on a grand note of hope and unity: "God bless Israel, God bless Iran, God bless the Middle East, God bless the United States of America, and GOD BLESS THE WORLD!"
