U.S. President Donald Trump took to Truth Social on June 23 to hail a major diplomatic success, congratulating Israel and Iran on halting hostilities. He dubbed the conflict “THE 12‑DAY WAR,” adding that “if everything works as it should, … I would like to congratulate both countries … on having the stamina, courage, and intelligence to end” it.

According to Trump’s post, Iran would stop firing missiles within six hours, Israel would follow 12 hours later, and a “complete and total ceasefire” would be declared within 24 hours. He emphasized this was a war “that could have gone on for years” but thankfully didn’t .

However, despite Trump’s confident declaration, the reality on the ground remains unsettling. Iranian missiles struck Israel—including near Beersheba—hours after the ceasefire deadline, killing three and injuring others . Iranian state television confirmed a pause in operations, but Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi promptly refuted any formal agreement, stating Iran would only remain silent if Israel ceased its aggression .

Israeli officials have not publicly confirmed the ceasefire. The Israeli military halted its strikes after midnight Eastern Time, yet missile alerts and strikes persisted in Tel Aviv and other areas .

Why This Matters Now

President Trump claims significant diplomatic achievement, labeling it the end of a potentially much longer war.

Missile attacks continued, casting doubt on whether this is a brief lull or an actual ceasefire.

No official peace treaty or formal terms have been shared by Israel or Iran.

What Happens Next?

It remains uncertain whether this ceasefire will hold:

Will Israel and Iran adhere to Trump’s phased timeline?

Will global mediators like Qatar help solidify a formal agreement?

And crucially: can this truce prevent further escalation and save civilian lives?

In sum, while Trump’s pronouncement hints at diplomatic triumph, the persistent rocket fire and conflicting statements from Iran and Israel suggest that the war is far from officially over.