Ceasefire Only If Israel Backs Off, Says Iran

Amid reports of a ceasefire agreement between Iran and Israel, Iran’s Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi has categorically denied the existence of any such deal, insisting that no truce would be possible unless Israeli military operations ceased by 4 AM Tehran time (6 AM IST).

In a strongly worded post on X, Araghchi declared, “As Iran has repeatedly made clear, Israel launched war on Iran, not the other way around. As of now, there is NO 'agreement' on any ceasefire or cessation of military operations. However, provided that the Israeli regime stops its illegal aggression against the Iranian people no later than 4 AM Tehran time, we have no intention to continue our response afterwards. The final decision on the cessation of our military operations will be made later.”

The Iranian Foreign Minister also commended the country’s armed forces for their efforts in the ongoing conflict.

“The military operations of our powerful Armed Forces to punish Israel for its aggression continued until the very last minute, at 4 AM. Together with all Iranians, I thank our brave Armed Forces who remain ready to defend our dear country until their last drop of blood, and who responded to any attack by the enemy until the very last minute,” Araghchi said.

His remarks came shortly after US President Donald Trump announced that a complete and total ceasefire had been agreed upon by both sides. In a celebratory post on Truth Social, Trump claimed: “CONGRATULATIONS TO EVERYONE! It has been fully agreed by and between Israel and Iran that there will be a Complete and Total CEASEFIRE (in approximately 6 hours from now, when Israel and Iran have wound down and completed their in progress, final missions!), for 12 hours, at which point the War will be considered, ENDED!”*

He further elaborated, stating that the truce would begin in phases, with Iran initiating the ceasefire first. “Officially, Iran will start the CEASEFIRE and, upon the 12th Hour, Israel will start the CEASEFIRE and, upon the 24th Hour, an Official END to THE 12 DAY WAR will be saluted by the World,” Trump wrote.

“During each CEASEFIRE, the other side will remain PEACEFUL and RESPECTFUL. On the assumption that everything works as it should, which it will, I would like to congratulate both Countries, Israel and Iran, on having the Stamina, Courage, and Intelligence to end what should be called ‘THE 12 DAY WAR.’ This is a War that could have gone on for years, and destroyed the entire Middle East, but it didn’t, and never will!”

Trump concluded his post with a sweeping message of hope and unity: “God bless Israel, God bless Iran, God bless the Middle East, God bless the United States of America, and GOD BLESS THE WORLD!”

With conflicting narratives emerging, the international community continues to monitor the situation closely, hoping for de-escalation after nearly two weeks of deadly confrontation.

Also Read: Trump Brokers Ceasefire: Israel-Iran Agree to End War