Washington, D.C. (National Times): US President Donald Trump has announced that a ceasefire is now in effect between Israel and Iran, marking what he calls a “historic breakthrough” in one of the most volatile flashpoints of the Middle East. The statement, issued through his official Truth Social account, comes amid ongoing tensions and mixed signals from the region.
“The ceasefire is now in effect. Please do not violate it…,” Trump posted on Tuesday, urging restraint following what he described as a decisive military maneuver by the U.S.
In a separate post, Trump credited the U.S. military’s strategic role in facilitating the deal, saying: “We couldn’t have made today’s ‘deal’ without the talent and courage of our great B-2 pilots, and all of those associated with that operation. In a certain and very ironic way, that perfect ‘hit,’ late in the evening, brought everyone together, and the deal was made!!!”
While Trump did not elaborate on the nature or target of the “perfect hit,” defense analysts speculate it refers to a recent precision strike by U.S. stealth bombers that allegedly neutralized a high-value Iranian asset, possibly intended as a pressure tactic to compel de-escalation.
Adding to the confusion, Iranian state media has denied any ceasefire agreement and reported that the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) fired missiles into northern Israel just hours before Trump’s announcement. Israeli defense officials have not commented on the claim, though air raid sirens were reportedly heard in parts of the Galilee region.
Despite Tehran’s denial, Trump insisted that both sides had privately approached him seeking peace: “Israel & Iran came to me, almost simultaneously, and said, ‘PEACE!’ I knew the time was NOW,” he wrote. “The World, and the Middle East, are the real WINNERS!”
Trump further claimed the agreement would usher in a new era of diplomacy and regional cooperation: “Both Nations will see tremendous LOVE, PEACE, AND PROSPERITY in their futures. They have so much to gain, and yet, so much to lose if they stray from the road of RIGHTEOUSNESS & TRUTH. The future for Israel & Iran is UNLIMITED, & filled with great PROMISE. GOD BLESS YOU BOTH!”
