Trump announces ceasefire between Israel and Iran within 24 hours
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US President Donald Trump has announced an official agreement to completely cease fire between Israel and Iran, indicating that the war will end within 24 hours, and the ceasefire will officially begin at 4 a.m. GMT on Tuesday.
Trump confirmed in a post on his "Truth Social" account that a long war that would have led to widespread destruction in the region has been averted, and congratulated both countries on their courage and intelligence in ending this 12-day war.
Trump pointed out that Iran's response to the US strikes was weak, with 13 out of 14 missiles launched by Iran being intercepted, and thanked Iran for early notification of the attacks to the United States, also expressing gratitude to the Amir of Qatar for his efforts towards peace.
The US Department of Defense announced the execution of its largest operation in history with B-2 stealth bombers on Iranian nuclear sites using 75 weapons and 182 tons of explosives, with the operation lasting only 25 minutes.
Trump stated that the US-hit sites were completely destroyed, considering news that doubts this as "fake news".
He said the damage was massive, especially in underground facilities.
Meanwhile, Iran attacked the US Al-Udeid Air Base in Qatar with several missiles in response to the US strikes, while Qatar affirmed its right to respond directly.
However, Trump emphasized that the United States is not at war with Iran but with its nuclear program.
American sources revealed that the operation involved seven B-2 bombers that flew an 18-hour mission to drop 14 bunker-busting bombs on three Iranian nuclear sites: Fordow, Esfahan, and Natanz.
The strikes included over 20 Tomahawk missiles and at least 125 military aircraft.
Senior officials in the Trump administration also confirmed that the airstrikes did not aim to change the Iranian regime, urging Tehran to refrain from military retaliation and resort to negotiations.
This development comes amid US warnings of forces being prepared to defend themselves in case of an Iranian response, with continued monitoring and assessment of the damage to the Iranian nuclear sites.
Amid these events, a cautious anticipation prevails in the region with signs of a possible de-escalation after days of intense military escalation.
