International: DonaldTrump announces Israel-Iran Ceasefire deal amid Skepticism
Donald Trump claimed on his Truth Social platform Monday, june 23 that Israel and Iran had agreed to a “complete and total” ceasefire, potentially ending what he termed the “12-Day War.” According to Trump, the truce would begin within six hours of his post, with Iran initiating the pause first, followed by Israel 12 hours later, culminating in a formal war-ending declaration after 24 hours.
Trump praised both nations for their “endurance, courage, and intelligence” in reaching the deal, calling it a breakthrough that “could have saved the Middle East from years of destruction.”
He concluded with a broad call for unity: “God bless Israel, God bless Iran, God bless the Middle East, God bless the United States of America, and God bless the world!”
However, the announcement was met with skepticism. Mohammad-Bagher Ghalibaf, an advisor to Iran’s parliamentary speaker, dismissed it as “tricks to provoke Iran.”
Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu instructed his cabinet to refrain from commenting on the developments until further notice, leaving the legitimacy of Trump’s claims in question.
The unusual mediation attempt by Trump, who has no official diplomatic role, adds another layer of complexity to the volatile region. Neither government has independently confirmed the agreement.
