Trump brokers ceasefire between Israel and Iran

President Donald Trump claimed on social media that Iran and Israel have agreed to a ceasefire, hours after Iran fired missiles at a US air base in Qatar in retaliation for US strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities. However, there was no immediate confirmation from the Israeli government, and Iran's top diplomat disputed the framing of the announcement, stating that Iran's military had halted operations but that there was no agreement on a "ceasefire or cessation of military operations."

The US President Donald Trump ordered strikes on several nuclear facilities in Iran, prompting questions about his legal authority to do so. The Constitution grants Congress the power to declare war under Article I, but Article II gives the president authority as Commander-in-Chief to use military force in certain circumstances. Four constitutional experts told BBC Verify that Trump had some authority to order the strikes, citing a "long-standing practice of presidents engaging in isolated military engagements without congressional approval." However, one expert disagreed, saying there wasn't "a sudden attack to repel." Previous presidents, including Obama, Clinton, and Biden, have also ordered military actions without congressional approval, setting a precedent. The War Powers Resolution of 1973 requires the president to consult with Congress before introducing US Armed Forces into hostilities, but the White House says it made "bipartisan courtesy calls" to Congressional leadership before the strikes.

Iran launched missiles at a US military base in Qatar, Al-Udeid, reportedly in retaliation for US strikes on its nuclear sites over the weekend. The base is the largest US military base in the Middle East and home to the US military's headquarters for all air operations in the region. Witnesses reported hearing loud bangs and videos showed bright flashes in the sky as air defence systems attempted to intercept the missiles. Iran said it fired six missiles, while the US reported 14 and Qatar said 19, all of which were intercepted. No one was killed or injured. The US and UK had advised their citizens in Qatar to "shelter in place" before the attack, and Iran had given warning of its intentions to minimise casualties. The incident is the latest escalation in a conflict involving Iran, Israel, and the US, with tensions in the Middle East at unprecedented levels.

US President Donald Trump may have achieved a significant step back from conflict between Israel and Iran after a ceasefire was agreed upon, potentially leading to a lasting peace. Trump's gamble to insert the US into the conflict by launching airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities on Saturday may have paid off, as Iran responded with a limited attack on a US base in Qatar that was intercepted without casualties or damage. The White House claims Trump was working behind the scenes with Qatari mediators and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to negotiate the ceasefire, and Iran has indicated it will stop its response if Israel halts its aggression.

Iran launched short- and medium-range missiles at the US Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, but they were intercepted and no casualties were reported. The Al Udeid Air Base is the largest US military base in the Middle East, serving as the forward headquarters for US Central Command. Established in 1996, it houses thousands of US troops and played a significant role in the Iraq and Afghanistan wars. The base is one of several US military installations in the region, with around 40,000 US military personnel deployed across the Middle East. Other countries hosting US bases include Bahrain, Kuwait, United Arab Emirates, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and Syria. The attack was reportedly in retaliation for US strikes on Iranian nuclear sites, and President Trump described it as a "very weak response" that was "very effectively countered".

Iran launched a missile attack on the US Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, but the missiles were intercepted and no one was injured. The attack was in response to a US strike on three Iranian nuclear sites over the weekend. US Central Command said the attack was successfully defended against using US and Qatari Patriot batteries. Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps claimed to have targeted the base with a "devastating and powerful missile." President Trump called the attack "a very weak response" and said the US was given prior warning. The Qatari government condemned the attack as a "flagrant violation of the sovereignty of the State of Qatar" and reserved the right to respond. The incident has sparked debate among US lawmakers about the use of military force and congressional authority.

Iran launched missiles at a US airbase in Qatar after vowing to retaliate against the US for striking its top nuclear sites. The US has military assets across the Middle East, including eight permanent bases and nearly 40,000 to 50,000 service members, which could be targeted by Iran. Potential targets include US naval assets, such as aircraft carriers, and the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway for global oil transport. Closing the strait could cause oil prices to jump 50-60%. Iran may also carry out asymmetric warfare, including terrorist and cyber attacks. Experts warn that any retaliatory action by Iran would invite a US response, potentially putting the Iranian government's survival at risk.

Israel and Iran have agreed to a ceasefire, according to President Trump, who announced the agreement on social media. Both countries confirmed they are complying with the ceasefire, with Israel stating it will respond forcefully to any violation. The conflict began on June 13 with Israel launching airstrikes against Iranian nuclear and military targets, prompting Iranian counterattacks. At least 950 people have been killed in Israel's strikes in Iran, and 24 people have been killed in Iran's attacks on Israel. The US took military action against Iran over the weekend, striking three sites believed to be key to Iran's nuclear program. The ceasefire was brokered by Qatar, with the US communicating directly with Israel and indirectly with Iran. The agreement calls for Iran to stop striking Israel within six hours, Israel to stop striking Iran 12 hours later, and the war to be considered over 24 hours after that.

US and Israeli forces have exchanged strikes with Iran, with Israel targeting Iranian missile, satellite, and radar sites, and the US launching airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities. The US chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said the nuclear sites were "totally obliterated", but the head of the IAEA suggested Iran may have moved some of its highly enriched uranium stockpile before the attack. The conflict has raised concerns of escalation and potentially drawing in major world powers. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the US is prepared to negotiate with Iran, but President Trump hinted at regime change, suggesting that if the current Iranian regime is unable to "make Iran great again", there could be a change in leadership. Israeli officials have also suggested that military action could lead to an uprising against the Iranian regime. Iran's foreign minister has reserved all options to defend its sovereignty and people.

President Trump announced that a ceasefire between Israel and Iran is in effect, but neither Israel nor Iran has confirmed the agreement. Trump posted on Truth Social that the ceasefire was to take hold in stages, with Iran stopping strikes on Israel by midnight ET on Tuesday and Israel stopping strikes on Iran 12 hours later. However, Iran's Foreign Minister suggested there was no formal agreement, and Israel reported missile barrages from Iran around the time of Trump's deadline. The conflict has killed at least 950 people in Iran and 24 in Israel, and the ceasefire's impact on Iran's nuclear program remains unclear.

Congress is divided over President Trump's strikes on Iranian nuclear sites, with some lawmakers calling for a vote to reassert Congress' power to declare war. A bipartisan group of lawmakers introduced war powers resolutions to prevent the president from taking unilateral action, but House Speaker Mike Johnson said the push is now "moot" due to Trump's announcement of a ceasefire between Israel and Iran. Lawmakers, including Reps. Thomas Massie and Ro Khanna, had urged Congress to reconvene to vote on their war powers resolution, which has broad support across the political spectrum. Top Democrats, including House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, said they were not adequately briefed by the White House on the strikes and are seeking more information.

The U.S. Embassy in Qatar warned American citizens to shelter in place due to a credible threat, and Qatar's foreign ministry announced the temporary closure of its airspace. Explosions were reported in Doha, the capital, and Al-Udeid Air Base, a major U.S. military base in Qatar, was targeted by Iran with missiles that were intercepted with no casualties reported. The shelter-in-place order was later lifted. The U.S. and U.K. embassies issued similar warnings to their citizens, while Qatar's foreign ministry stated that the security situation was stable and that they were monitoring the situation.

US President Donald Trump announced a ceasefire between Israel and Iran on Monday evening, but Iran fired missiles at Israel on Tuesday, claiming it was the "final round" before the ceasefire took effect. Iran's Foreign Minister later denied agreeing to a ceasefire but said Tehran was open to halting military operations if Israel stopped its "aggression." Trump's announcement and Iran's subsequent actions led to market reactions, with US stocks rising on hopes of de-escalation and oil prices falling sharply. Trump's "peace through strength" strategy may have provided an off-ramp for Iran to de-escalate tensions, but the situation remains unclear. Tesla shares rose 8.2% after the company launched its robotaxis, while airlines continued to divert and cancel Middle East flights due to the conflict.

US President Donald Trump announced that Israel and Iran have agreed to a "Complete and Total CEASEFIRE" following a series of escalating conflicts in the Middle East. The ceasefire comes after Iran launched a missile strike on a US military base in Qatar on Monday, in retaliation to Trump's authorized air strikes on Iranian nuclear sites on Saturday. The Iranian attack was reportedly preceded by "early notice" to the US, and Qatar also received advanced warning, resulting in no reported casualties. Oil prices fell sharply, while US stocks rose as investors hoped for de-escalation in the conflict. The situation has been described as a "peace through strength strategy," with a symbolic exchange of strikes that projects strength from all parties while providing Iran an off-ramp to de-escalate tension.

Tensions remain high in the Middle East after Iran launched a missile strike on a US base in Qatar in response to US strikes on Iran's nuclear facilities. Many in the region describe the attacks as a "choreographed show" and question whether the ceasefire declared by US President Donald Trump will hold. The Iranian strike was seen as limited in scope, and some believe it was a message to Gulf states that hosting US forces could invite devastating attacks. People in the region expressed feelings of anxiety, frustration, and relief, with some hoping that the situation will calm down and others fearing that it could escalate into a larger conflict. The impact of the strikes on Iran's nuclear capabilities and the potential for future conflict are also uncertain.

Iran fired 14 missiles at an American airbase in Qatar in retaliation for US strikes on its nuclear facilities, but appeared to avoid casualties, allowing US President Donald Trump to announce a ceasefire between Israel and Iran, stating "no more hate" and suggesting that Iran could now "proceed to peace".

Binyamin Netanyahu is celebrating a moment of triumph as America, under Donald Trump's command, has launched significant strikes on Iran's three main nuclear facilities, claiming to have "obliterated" Iran's nuclear programme and ended the war, although the effectiveness of the strikes and their aftermath remain uncertain.

The US has launched a significant strike against Iran, claiming to have "obliterated" its nuclear program. The attack, ordered by Trump, was in response to Iran's missile strike and has led to a fragile ceasefire between Israel and Iran. The aftermath raises big questions about the future of the Middle East, with fierce hardliners gaining power in Iran and the regime launching symbolic attacks on US bases in Qatar. The effectiveness of Trump's gamble remains to be seen.

US President Donald Trump announced a "complete and total" ceasefire in the war between Israel and Iran after a US bombing campaign targeting Iranian nuclear facilities. Trump claimed the 12-day conflict had ended, congratulating Israel and Iran on their "stamina, courage, and intelligence." The US strike involved a fleet of stealthy bombers hitting deeply buried Iranian nuclear facilities, with Trump stating that the attack had "obliterated" Iran's nuclear program.

US President Donald Trump launched a significant air strike on Iran's Fordow nuclear facility using B-2 bombers and bunker-busting bombs, claiming to have "obliterated" the country's nuclear program, and subsequently announced a ceasefire between Israel and Iran, sparking questions about the strike's impact and the future of the region.

The US launched "Operation Midnight Hammer", a massive military strike on Iran involving 125 aircraft, including B-2 stealth bombers and Tomahawk cruise missiles. The operation, described as the largest-ever strike by B-2 bombers, used America's largest bunker-buster bomb, the GBU-57. Iran did not respond to the attack. US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said the scope and scale of the operation would "take the breath away" of most observers. Trump's administration claims the strike has "obliterated" Iran's nuclear programme, but it remains unclear if the operation has achieved its intended goals.

Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA) has criticized President Donald Trump for authorizing US strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, calling it a "complete bait and switch" on his "MAGA agenda" promises. The US strikes, announced by Trump, targeted three Iranian nuclear sites, including Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan, and were carried out using Massive Ordnance Penetrator (MOP) bombs and Tomahawk missiles. The Iranian government has condemned the strikes, with Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi saying Iran will defend itself against US and Israeli military aggression. The strikes have sparked widespread anger in Iran, with protesters on the streets of Tehran vowing to strike back. The international community has reacted divisively, with the UN Security Council holding an emergency session to discuss the escalating conflict. Israel has also responded to the Iranian retaliation, with its military launching new attacks on Iranian targets.

Iranian air defenses remained active after US President Donald Trump announced a ceasefire between Israel and Iran, with anti-aircraft fire visible in the sky over Tehran.

The Middle East witnessed significant developments in 48 hours, including a US airstrike on Iran, an Iranian retaliatory strike on a US air base in Qatar, and a sudden ceasefire between Iran and Israel. US President Donald Trump announced the ceasefire on social media, stating it was agreed upon by both Israel and Iran. The ceasefire is to be phased in, with Iran stopping its attacks on Israel first, followed by Israel 12 hours later. The conflict began with Israeli strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities and was escalated by a US airstrike. Trump administration officials claimed the US strikes set back Iran's nuclear program by years, but experts remained skeptical. The ceasefire's success is uncertain, with Iran launching a missile strike on Israel around the time it was supposed to stop its attacks. The conflict has also drawn attention to the ongoing situation in Gaza, where dozens have been killed by Israeli forces, and a group has called for the ceasefire to be expanded to include the war-torn enclave.

US President Donald Trump announced that a ceasefire between Israel and Iran is "in effect" after nearly two weeks of strikes. The ceasefire was brokered by Qatar, with Israel agreeing to the deal on the condition that Iran stops its attacks. Israel stated it achieved its objectives, including eliminating an "existential threat" from Iran's nuclear and ballistic missile programs. Iranian media reported Israeli strikes killed at least nine people in northwest Iran, while Israel reported multiple missiles launched from Iran, killing at least four in the southern city of Beer Sheva. The ceasefire's details are still unclear, but a CNN military analyst believes it could hold for a short period as Israel believes it has achieved its goals and Iran needs time to regroup. Israeli officials warned they will respond forcefully to any ceasefire violation, and a group advocating for the return of hostages held in Gaza called for the ceasefire to be expanded to include the war-torn enclave.

Sources close to the situation tell CNN that a potential ceasefire between Israel and Iran may hold after days of hostilities involving the United States. The announcement of the ceasefire comes after US President Donald Trump ordered military strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, prompting Iranian retaliation against US and Israeli targets. While neither Iran nor Israel has officially commented on the ceasefire, sources suggest it could be a significant step towards de-escalation. The conflict had drawn international attention, with the UN Security Council holding an emergency session amid widespread divisions over the US strikes.

Donald Trump's administration claims to have achieved a "forever peace" in the Middle East after a US-led strike on Iranian nuclear sites, followed by a ceasefire between Iran and Israel. However, the long-term implications of the conflict are uncertain, and the effectiveness of Trump's strategy is disputed. Trump's decision to strike Iran's nuclear facilities was seen as a bold move that demonstrated strategic acumen and decisiveness. The strikes severely damaged Iranian nuclear sites at Isfahan, Natanz, and Fordow, but the International Atomic Energy Agency's head, Rafael Grossi, reported that Iran had "protected" a stockpile of highly enriched uranium. Experts warn that Trump's actions may push Iran closer to developing nuclear weapons, as the country may feel compelled to acquire a nuclear bomb to deter future attacks. The ceasefire's durability is also uncertain, given the history of fragile truces in the Middle East. Trump's presidency and legacy may be shaped by the outcome of the conflict, and his foreign policy approach has been marked by both decisive action and concerns about his leadership style and disregard for Congressional oversight and US alliances.

President Trump claimed on Truth Social that Israel and Iran have agreed to a "Complete and Total CEASEFIRE", despite neither country commenting on the matter, and just hours after Iranian missiles targeted a US base in Qatar. CNN has reached out to the White House for additional information.

Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar's plan to spark a full-scale war between Israel and Iran-backed proxies backfired, resulting in significant setbacks for Hamas, Hezbollah, and Iran. Israel, with US support, has been eliminating key leaders of these groups, including Sinwar, Ismail Haniyeh, and Hezbollah's Hassan Nasrallah. A recent US operation, led by President Donald Trump, targeted Iran's core nuclear facilities, further weakening the Iranian regime. Israeli security expert Sarit Zehavi stated that the October 7 invasion marked a "huge change in the Middle East," with Israel now actively eliminating threats to its existence. The consequences of Sinwar's plan have left the terrorist regimes and organizations reeling, but it remains uncertain whether they will recover.

Israel launched a second strike on Iran's Fordow nuclear site, targeting access routes to the facility, after a massive US attack over the weekend using B-2 stealth bombers and submarines. The US strike hit three Iranian nuclear facilities, including Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan, causing significant damage. Iran has retaliated by firing missiles into Israel. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) expects Fordow to have sustained significant damage, and satellite images show destruction at the site.

Pakistan initially praised President Donald Trump for brokering a truce between India and Pakistan, saying he deserved a Nobel Peace Prize, but less than 24 hours later condemned him for US strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, calling it a "serious violation of international law". Pakistan has close ties with Iran and supports its right to self-defense against Israel.

Russia's United Nations ambassador, Vassily Nebenzia, warned that the US airstrikes on Iran's nuclear facilities could lead to a "nuclear catastrophe" and have "unpredictable consequences for the entire international security architecture." Nebenzia condemned the strikes as "irresponsible, dangerous, and provocative" and called for all parties to exercise restraint and return to international diplomacy and negotiations. The International Atomic Energy Agency's Director General, Rafael Grossi, stated that significant damage is expected to have occurred at the targeted nuclear sites, including Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan.

US and Israeli officials say a recent US strike on Iranian nuclear sites has caused significant damage, potentially setting back Iran's nuclear program. Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Dan Caine stated that initial assessments indicate "extremely severe damage and destruction" to the three targeted sites. Experts, including Reserve Brig. Gen. Yossi Kuperwasser and Sima Shein, a former senior Mossad official, agree that while the strikes have degraded Iran's nuclear capabilities, they have not eliminated them entirely. Iran may still possess enriched uranium and the ability to produce centrifuges. Analysts believe that the strikes mark a significant shift in the region, with some calling it a "game-changer" that demonstrates the effectiveness of military action against Iran's nuclear program. Experts warn that Iran may respond with retaliation or by changing its nuclear policy, potentially withdrawing from the Non-Proliferation Treaty. To achieve lasting resolution, they recommend pairing military pressure with either a diplomatic agreement featuring intrusive inspections or a credible threat of continued strikes.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that Israel has accepted a US-brokered ceasefire proposal with Iran, after 12 days of war between the two countries. US President Donald Trump confirmed that the ceasefire is "now in effect" and urged both sides not to violate it. Iran had agreed to halt its strikes if Israel stops its attacks. The ceasefire comes after Iran launched a retaliatory missile attack on a US military base in Qatar. Israel's military warned that "danger persists" despite the ceasefire and instructed its army to maintain a high level of alertness. The Israeli shekel and stocks rose following the announcement, and international leaders, including China's foreign ministry and Germany's Chancellor, welcomed the ceasefire and called for both parties to adhere to it.

Israel detected missiles launched from Iran over two hours after a ceasefire began, with sirens sounding across northern Israel. The ceasefire, proposed by US President Donald Trump, was accepted by both Israel and Iran to end their 12-day war. Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that Tehran would halt strikes if Israel stopped its attacks, while initially saying there was "no agreement" on a ceasefire shortly after Trump's announcement. Trump had announced a phased 24-hour ceasefire process starting at 4 am GMT, with Iran halting operations first, followed by Israel 12 hours later.

The article questions whether Tehran can trust Donald Trump as a broker of peace after he suggested regime change in Iran. Trump announced a ceasefire between Israel and Iran on his Truth Social site, claiming a "complete and total" agreement, but it is unclear if both sides are committed to it, with fresh missiles fired overnight, and their motivations to continue the conflict remain.

Iran claimed to have carried out a "mighty and successful" attack on a US military base in Qatar and Iraq in response to the US dropping "bunker buster bombs" on three key Iranian nuclear sites over the weekend. Qatar's air defences reportedly thwarted the attack and successfully intercepted the Iranian missiles, with no casualties reported at the al Udeid base. The US President, Donald Trump, described the attack as a "very weak response" that was "expected" and "very effectively countered". The incident led to several countries in the region, including Kuwait, Bahrain, and Iraq, briefly shutting their airspaces, with some airlines rerouting flights.

Iranian state media has announced that a ceasefire with Israel has begun after a night of missile strikes, with Iran's foreign minister stating that Tehran will not continue its response as long as Israel stops its "illegal aggression". US President Donald Trump claimed that a "complete and total ceasefire" had been agreed upon, and that it would be "unlimited" and "go forever". The development comes after a series of strikes, including Iranian missile attacks on Israel and US "bunker buster bombs" on Iranian nuclear sites, and has been facilitated by diplomatic efforts involving Qatar.

US airstrikes on June 22 targeted three of Iran's key nuclear enrichment facilities: Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan. Satellite images suggest significant damage was done, particularly at Fordow, where "bunker buster" bombs were used to target tunnels and centrifuge halls. The strikes likely damaged or destroyed industrial-scale centrifuge "cascades" used to enrich uranium, setting back Iran's nuclear programme. However, experts believe that Iran may have already stockpiled highly enriched uranium, which is relatively easy to conceal and could be used to make a nuclear bomb. Additionally, Iran's nuclear expertise and industrial processes, developed over decades, cannot be easily eliminated by a bombing campaign, and the country may be able to continue its nuclear programme in smaller, more secretive facilities.

Israeli intelligence agents reportedly made dozens of phone calls to top Iranian generals warning them to "escape" with their families or face death as part of a covert operation to destabilize the Iranian regime. An audio recording obtained by the Washington Post captured an agent telling a senior Iranian general that he had 12 hours to escape or be killed, and demanding that the general make a video denouncing the Iranian regime. The calls were made hours after Israel commenced strikes on Iran as part of Operation Rising Lion, and were aimed at intimidating second- and third-tier leaders within the regime.

Vice President JD Vance stated that he believes Iran's enriched uranium stockpile is buried beneath three nuclear facilities bombed by the US over the weekend. However, experts are concerned that Iran may have moved the nuclear fuel before the attack, citing satellite images of cargo trucks near the Fordow nuclear site and Iranian warnings of "special measures" to protect nuclear equipment. The International Atomic Energy Agency's chief, Rafael Grossi, warned that no one is in a position to fully assess the underground damage, and inspectors are demanding access to account for what remains. Experts speculate that the uranium could have been moved and stored elsewhere, potentially in other countries like North Korea, China, or Russia, or used to advance Iran's nuclear program in secret.

President Trump announced on Truth Social that Israel and Iran have agreed to a cease-fire, marking the end of what he called the "12 Day War". The cease-fire will begin in approximately 6 hours and will last for 12 hours, followed by an official end to the conflict at the 24-hour mark. The conflict began on June 13 with Israeli airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, and escalated with US involvement, including a US bomb-and-missile attack on three Iranian nuclear sites. There was no immediate confirmation from Israel or Iran regarding the cease-fire.

President Trump announced that Israel and Iran have agreed to a cease-fire, vindicating his decision to strike Iran's nuclear sites. The cease-fire follows a limited Iranian attack on a US base in Qatar, which was seen as a face-saving gesture after Operation Midnight Hammer. While details of the agreement remain unclear, Trump's decision has been validated as Iran's rulers realized they had no good options other than to cut their losses and pull back.

After Israel's airstrikes on Iran and the US bombing three of Iran's main nuclear facilities, Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei ordered a limited strike against the US to avoid an all-out war. Iran's Revolutionary Guards Corps targeted the Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, a major US military base, but gave advance warning, allowing Qatar to close its airspace and the US to prepare. The strike was portrayed as a victory by Iran, but was actually designed to be contained, with no Americans killed or significantly injured. The US, led by President Trump, responded by downplaying the incident and announcing a ceasefire between Iran and Israel, which was subsequently confirmed by both countries. All parties now claim to have "won," with the US setting back Iran's nuclear program, Israel weakening Iran, and Iran surviving and pushing back against stronger military powers. The conflict has highlighted the fragility of the region and raised questions about Iran's next steps, with the country's foreign minister embarking on a diplomatic blitz and hinting at potential negotiations to lift tough sanctions.

Israel and Iran have agreed to a cease-fire, announced by US President Trump, after 12 days of fighting that raised fears of a wider war in the Middle East. Israel confirmed it had "achieved all the goals" of its campaign in Iran, including removing the immediate threat of a nuclear Iran and the threat from Iranian ballistic missiles. Iran had launched a missile barrage at Israel, killing at least four people, and also attacked a US air base in Qatar, but with limited consequences due to advance warnings given by Iran. The cease-fire was welcomed by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, who urged both sides to heed it, and the US and European countries are set to discuss stabilizing the situation at the NATO summit in the Netherlands.

President Trump used his social media platform, Truth Social, to narrate the US attacks on Iran in real time, posting updates on the conflict and its potential resolution. He initially claimed that Iran's response to the US strikes was "very weak" and thanked Iran for giving advance notice of its plans, effectively extending an olive branch. Two hours later, he declared that Israel and Iran had agreed to a "Complete and Total CEASEFIRE," dubbing the conflict "THE 12 DAY WAR." Trump's posts were made despite a lack of official confirmation from the combatant countries, and his declarations were seen as an attempt to will an end to the conflict into existence. Throughout the weekend, Trump also used Truth Social to share his thoughts on the war, including his insecurities about the attack, his desire to keep oil prices down, and his suggestion that the Department of Energy "drill baby drill." He also clashed with Representative Thomas Massie, a Republican who opposed the US strike on Iran, labeling him a "bum" and calling for him to be ousted by a Republican challenger.

President Trump announced a cease-fire agreement between Israel and Iran, citing discussions with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Iranian officials, with Qatar's help. The announcement surprised some top US officials, and Israel has not confirmed the cease-fire, with fresh attacks on Iran occurring within hours. The US had recently struck three Iranian nuclear sites, which a White House official credited with facilitating the cease-fire talks.

President Donald Trump announced a ceasefire between Israel and Iran, which Israel confirmed on Tuesday morning, stating it had achieved its military objectives against Iran. The ceasefire comes after Iran launched missile strikes against an American air base in Qatar and Israel, in retaliation for US strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities. Israeli military reported multiple missile strikes overnight, killing at least four people, while Iranian state media reported loud explosions in Tehran. Israel warned that any ceasefire violations will be met with force and thanked Trump and the US for their support in defense and removing the Iranian nuclear threat.

US defense officials and nuclear experts are assessing the impact of recent strikes on Iranian nuclear enrichment facilities, questioning whether the attacks achieved their strategic goal of eliminating Iran's nuclear program despite initial reports of a "tactical win".

Experts warn that Iran may have additional underground nuclear sites beyond the "key" facilities at Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan that were recently hit by airstrikes. David Albright, president of the Institute for Science and International Security, believes there may be at least one other location that could be turned into a uranium enrichment facility. Satellite images show cargo trucks at Fordow before the bombing, suggesting that Iran may have removed important materials. Experts, including Jeffrey Lewis and Emily Harding, suggest that Iran may have dug out additional facilities but not yet built them out, allowing them to keep their options open while complying with the letter of the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty. Iran's Atomic Energy Organization head, Mohammad Eslami, claimed that the country has a new enrichment site in a "secure and invulnerable location," which experts believe could be a message to the Iranian people or a warning to the West.

New satellite images from Planet Labs PBC reveal damage to Iran's nuclear facilities at Isfahan and Natanz following a US airstrike using B-2 stealth bombers on Saturday. The images show multiple buildings were hit at both sites, including those related to uranium conversion and enrichment processes, as well as entrances to tunnels used for storing enriched material. International Atomic Energy Agency Director General Rafael Grossi confirmed the damage, stating that the US used cruise missiles and ground-penetrating munitions in the strikes. Joint Chiefs Chairman Air Force Gen. Dan Caine said all three targeted sites - Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan - sustained "extremely severe damage and destruction."

Multiple frontrunners are emerging to succeed Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, 86, who has gone into hiding amid a joint US-Israel military campaign against Iran. A three-man committee appointed by Khamenei has identified potential successors, with Mojtaba Khamenei, the ayatollah's 56-year-old son, and Hassan Khomeini, the 53-year-old grandson of the Islamic Revolution's architect, rising to the top of the list. Mojtaba Khamenei is aligned with his father's hardline views, while Hassan Khomeini is considered a reformist. No decision has been made, and Khamenei is expected to have the final say.

Reza Pahlavi, the exiled prince of Iran and son of the last shah, has proposed leading the country's democratic transition to end the Islamic Republic. He stated that the Islamic Republic is collapsing, citing credible reports that senior regime officials are preparing to flee and a fractured military. Pahlavi called for a "peaceful and democratic transition" and a "secular, democratic Iran," saying he does not seek political power but wants to help the nation achieve stability, freedom, and justice. He accused Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei of using the Iranian people as "human shields" and hiding in a bunker while directing the war. Pahlavi announced a formal channel for military and security personnel to reach out to him and join the opposition, and proposed a "national unity summit" to develop a roadmap to democratic transition, with the final form of the future democracy to be decided in a national referendum.

The NATO summit, scheduled for June 24-25 in The Hague, Netherlands, will address key issues including defense spending, aid to Ukraine, and emerging threats from Iran and Russia. President Donald Trump's first transatlantic summit since returning to the White House will focus on a new defense investment plan, potentially increasing spending commitments from 2% to 5% of a nation's GDP, although some sources suggest the figure could be 3.5% over 10 years. Ukraine's defense is expected to be discussed, but may not be a primary focus due to Trump's emphasis on defense spending and his stance on Ukraine joining NATO. The summit will also address Iran's nuclear ambitions following a US strike on its nuclear facilities, and Russia's ongoing aggression in Ukraine. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is expected to attend some summit activities, but his attendance at official NATO meetings is unconfirmed.

NATO allies agreed to increase their defense spending to 5% of GDP by 2035, with 3.5% going to "pure" defense and 1.5% to security-related infrastructure. Currently, no member state meets the 5% target, and some struggle to meet the 2014 pledge of 2% of GDP. As of 2024, 23 out of 32 member states have reached the 2% threshold, with countries like Poland and Estonia exceeding it, while major economies like Canada, Spain, and Italy lag behind. Some countries, including Spain and Italy, have expressed resistance to the 5% target, citing it as "unreasonable" or questioning NATO's relevance. Even supportive countries like Germany and the U.K. may struggle to meet the target due to economic pressures.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has warned that Russian President Vladimir Putin could attack a NATO member country within five years to test the alliance's unity. Zelenskyy expressed concerns that plans for NATO members to increase defense spending to 5% of GDP by 2035 are "very slow" and that Putin will have significantly greater capabilities by 2030. He also stated that Russia's soldiers are being "annihilated and wiped out" on the battlefield, but that Putin needs a pause in fighting to rebuild his army. Zelenskyy emphasized that Ukraine is currently holding back Putin, but that the Russian leader will be ready to attack a NATO country in the future.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is struggling to garner international attention due to the conflict in Iran and US President Donald Trump's focus on it. Zelenskyy met with Sir Keir Starmer and is set to attend the NATO summit, where he urged NATO countries to increase their spending pledge, warning that Putin will be ready with a new army by 2035 and may attack a NATO country to test Article 5. He also expressed frustration that sanctions are not working, with countries allowing dual-use components to reach Russia, and insisted that there will be no negotiations without a ceasefire. The war is not going well for Ukraine, but Zelenskyy remains defiant.