Israel Accepts Ceasefire Proposal, Signaling End to 12-Day Conflict with Iran

Jerusalem, June 24, 2025 – Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced today that Israel has officially accepted a ceasefire proposal brokered by U.S. President Donald Trump, marking a potential end to the 12-day conflict with Iran that has destabilized the Middle East.

The announcement follows a series of intense military exchanges, including Iranian missile strikes on Israeli cities and Israeli airstrikes targeting Iranian nuclear and military facilities.

In a statement released by his office, Netanyahu declared that Israel had achieved its strategic objectives, including neutralizing Iran's nuclear and ballistic missile capabilities. "Israel has agreed to President Trump’s proposal for a bilateral ceasefire," the statement read. "We have achieved great historical achievements and placed ourselves on par with the world powers." However, Netanyahu emphasized that Israel would "respond forcefully" to any violations of the ceasefire agreement.

The ceasefire, described by President Trump as a "complete and total" cessation of hostilities, is structured in phases. According to Trump’s announcement on Truth Social, Iran is to halt all military operations first, followed by Israel 12 hours later, with the conflict officially considered ended after 24 hours.

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The agreement aims to de-escalate tensions after a series of tit-for-tat attacks, including a deadly Iranian missile strike on Beersheba that killed at least five people and injured several others just hours before the ceasefire was set to take effect.

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi initially stated there was no formal agreement, noting that Iran would cease operations only if Israel stopped its attacks by 4:00 a.m. local time on June 24. However, Iranian state media later confirmed that a ceasefire had been "imposed" and was in effect as of 7:30 a.m. local time, though reports of continued strikes raised doubts about immediate compliance.

The conflict, which began on June 13, saw unprecedented escalation, with Israel launching a major offensive and the U.S. conducting strikes on Iranian nuclear sites. The ceasefire announcement has led to global market reactions, with oil prices dropping due to reduced concerns over supply disruptions.

While the ceasefire holds promise for peace, regional analysts caution that its success depends on both sides adhering to the terms. The international community, including mediators in Qatar and the U.S., is closely monitoring developments to ensure stability in the region.