Priyanka Tiwari
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Suspense crime, Digital Desk : WASHINGTON/JERUSALEM, June 23 – In a stunning geopolitical development that has blindsided the world, former U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Monday that he has successfully brokered a comprehensive ceasefire agreement between arch-rivals Israel and Iran.
The surprise deal aims to halt the escalating cycle of direct military strikes that have pushed the Middle East to the brink of a full-scale regional war.
Speaking from his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida, Trump declared the agreement a "historic breakthrough for peace." The ceasefire, set to take effect within 48 hours, reportedly includes a halt to all cross-border missile and drone attacks, as well as a cessation of covert operations and maritime attacks.
"They all said it couldn't be done, but we did it," Trump stated in a live-streamed address. "I spoke to leaders on both sides. They are tough, very tough people, but they understand that this path was leading to total destruction. This is a great deal for Israel, a great deal for Iran, and a great deal for the world."
The announcement comes after months of escalating "tit-for-tat" strikes between the two nations, which had seen direct attacks on military and strategic assets, bypassing the traditional use of regional proxies.
Officials in Israel offered a cautious but immediate confirmation. A statement from the Prime Minister's office said, "Israel welcomes any initiative that brings quiet to the region and neutralizes threats. We will judge this agreement by actions, not words, and Israel always retains the absolute right to defend itself."
Iran's state-run news agency, IRNA, reported that the agreement was reached following "discreet, third-party negotiations" aimed at "preventing a wider conflict that would not serve the interests of any nation." The report did not mention Trump by name.
The deal's announcement sent shockwaves through global markets, with oil prices tumbling over 5% on reduced risk premiums.
Details of the negotiations remain scant, but sources familiar with the talks suggested that months of quiet, back-channel diplomacy involving intermediaries in Oman and Switzerland laid the groundwork. Trump is said to have personally engaged with key figures in the final weeks to push the agreement over the line.
The White House was caught off guard by the announcement, with a National Security Council spokesperson stating, "We are aware of the reports and are seeking clarification. We welcome any verifiable steps towards de-escalation in the Middle East."
Analysts remain deeply skeptical about the deal's long-term viability, given the decades of entrenched ideological animosity between Israel and Iran. However, the immediate cessation of hostilities is being seen as a critical step back from a catastrophic precipice.
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