A fragile ceasefire is now in effect after nearly two weeks of escalating conflict between Iran, Israel, and the United States, marking a pivotal moment in what has been described as the “12 Day War.”
The crisis reached a boiling point over the weekend when the United States launched a series of airstrikes on key Iranian nuclear facilities. Using advanced bombers and bunker-buster munitions, the U.S. targeted sites believed to be central to Iran’s nuclear program. The full extent of the damage remains unverified, as international inspectors have not yet accessed the affected areas.
In retaliation, Iran fired a barrage of ballistic missiles at the U.S. Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, the largest American military installation in the Middle East. With advance warning given to Qatari authorities, U.S. missile defenses intercepted the attack, preventing casualties and major damage. Iran then launched a final wave of missile strikes on Israel, marking the first Israeli fatalities since the ceasefire announcement.
Amid mounting international pressure, U.S. President Donald Trump announced a phased ceasefire agreement. Under the terms, Iran initiated a 12-hour pause in hostilities, followed by Israel, with the war officially ending after 24 hours if both sides complied. The deal was brokered with the help of Qatari mediation, allowing both countries to complete ongoing military operations before the truce took effect.
While President Trump has described the ceasefire as “complete and total,” uncertainty remains. Neither Iran nor Israel publicly confirmed the full terms of the agreement, and both militaries remain on high alert. The U.S. has signaled it does not intend to escalate further, emphasizing a desire for peace and restraint.
