Background on Key Figures and Context
Donald Trump, the former U.S. President, announced on social media platform Truth Social that a total and complete ceasefire had been agreed upon between Israel and Iran. This announcement came after Iran retaliated against U.S. attacks on three Iranian facilities, targeting the Al Udeid airbase in Qatar.
Abbas Araqchi, Iran’s Foreign Minister, denied Trump’s claims on social media. Araqchi clarified that there was no official agreement for a ceasefire or cessation of military operations at the moment. However, he stated that Iran would stop its response if Israel ceased its illegal aggression against Iran by 4:00 AM Tehran time.
Trump’s Ceasefire Announcement
Trump declared that a 24-hour gradual ceasefire process would commence around 4:00 AM GMT on Tuesday, effectively ending the 12-day conflict. He described this as “the official end of war.”
In response, the Guardians of the Revolution, Iran’s ideological military force, vowed to make the U.S. regret any further attacks against Iranian territory, warning of more forceful responses.
Iran’s Retaliation Against U.S. Attacks
On Monday, the U.S. targeted a subterranean uranium enrichment plant in Fordo and nuclear facilities in Isfahan and Natanz, central Iran. The Pentagon claimed these strikes “devastated” Iran’s nuclear program.
However, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) finds it currently impossible to assess damage and has requested access to Iranian facilities. Experts believe Iran might have withdrawn its nuclear material, and Tehran asserts it still holds enriched uranium reserves.
Escalating Tensions and Casualties
The conflict has resulted in over 400 deaths and 3,000 injuries in Iran, mostly civilians, according to official counts. Meanwhile, Iranian fire against Israel has caused 24 fatalities, as reported by Israeli authorities.
Iran has threatened to close the Strait of Hormuz, through which a fifth of the world’s oil production passes, as retaliation.
Trump’s Interest in Diplomatic Solution
Despite the escalating tensions, a White House spokesperson stated that Trump remains interested in finding a diplomatic solution. He had previously resumed negotiations with Iran to curb its nuclear program under Oman’s mediation.
Key Questions and Answers
- What did Trump claim about a ceasefire agreement? Trump announced on his social media platform that Israel and Iran had agreed to a total and complete ceasefire.
- How did Iran respond to Trump’s claim? Iran’s Foreign Minister, Abbas Araqchi, denied Trump’s claims on social media and stated that Iran would stop its response if Israel ceased aggression against it.
- What actions did the U.S. take against Iran? The U.S. targeted a subterranean uranium enrichment plant in Fordo and nuclear facilities in Isfahan and Natanz, central Iran.
- What are the casualties from this conflict? Over 400 people have died and 3,000 have been injured in Iran, mostly civilians. Twenty-four people have been killed by Iranian fire against Israel, according to Israeli authorities.
- What retaliation has Iran threatened? Iran has threatened to close the Strait of Hormuz, a critical oil shipping lane, as retaliation against the U.S.
- Is Trump still interested in a diplomatic solution? Yes, according to a White House spokesperson, Trump remains interested in finding a diplomatic solution despite the escalating tensions.
