In a dramatic turn of events, former U.S. President Donald Trump has announced a “complete and total ceasefire” between Iran and Israel, following a limited Iranian missile strike on a U.S. military base in Qatar. The announcement has sent shockwaves through diplomatic circles and could mark a pivotal shift in the rapidly escalating conflict.

The ceasefire, set to be implemented in phases beginning at midnight (ET) Tuesday, is intended to halt ongoing hostilities, giving both sides six hours to “complete their final missions,” according to Trump’s post on Truth Social.

“This marks the official END of the war,” Trump declared.

Iran’s Missile Strike on U.S. Base in Qatar Signals De-escalation

On Monday, Iran launched 19 missiles at the Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar in retaliation for recent U.S. airstrikes on its nuclear sites. The attack was reportedly pre-warned, and no casualties occurred. President Trump downplayed the strike, calling it a “very weak response.”

According to Qatar’s military, 18 missiles were intercepted, while one landed without causing damage. Qatar’s Foreign Ministry condemned the attack as a “flagrant violation” of its sovereignty and international law.

Iran said the number of missiles matched the U.S. bombs dropped on its nuclear facilities, hinting it aimed to avoid broader conflict. The base, which houses the Combined Air Operations Center and the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing, is one of the most critical American military hubs in the region.

Israel Responds Amid Ceasefire Confusion

While Trump was announcing peace, Israeli airstrikes hit Tehran, Urmia, and Rasht, including residential zones and symbolic targets such as Evin Prison, notorious for holding political prisoners and dual nationals.

Iranian state media referred to a “Trump-claimed” ceasefire, suggesting uncertainty over whether Tehran accepted the agreement. Meanwhile, Iran fired more missiles at Israeli cities, including Haifa, Tel Aviv, and Jerusalem, though no casualties were reported.

Background: U.S. Bombings Sparked Escalation

The ceasefire comes just days after the U.S. launched stealth airstrikes using 30,000-pound bunker-buster bombs on Iranian nuclear sites including Fordo, Natanz, and Isfahan. These strikes marked the U.S.’s formal entrance into the conflict, prompting fears of a wider war.

In response, Iran’s government accused the U.S. of crossing a “very big red line,” while Trump openly floated the idea of regime change in Iran, asking:

“If the current Iranian regime is unable to MAKE IRAN GREAT AGAIN, why wouldn’t there be a regime change?”

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt later said Trump was “simply raising a question.”

Casualties & Humanitarian Impact

The toll from this conflict continues to rise. According to the Washington-based Human Rights Activists group, Israeli strikes have killed 950 people in Iran and injured 3,450. In Israel, at least 24 have been killed and more than 1,000 wounded.

With an internet blackout in Iran, communication and access to verified information remain limited. The Abdorrahman Boroumand Center for Human Rights raised concerns about the safety of political prisoners in Iran after the attack on Evin Prison.

Global Reactions and Next Steps

Russia’s President Vladimir Putin, after meeting with Iran’s Foreign Minister in Moscow, called the Israeli and American attacks “unprovoked aggression,” and urged diplomatic resolution.

An Israeli official speaking anonymously said the ceasefire could hold — if Iran agrees to reenter nuclear negotiations. Otherwise, Israel is prepared for a “quiet-for-quiet” war of attrition.

The world now watches to see whether this ceasefire will mark the beginning of peace, or just a pause before the next explosion.

Reporting contributed by The Associated Press, The Hill, and Reuters