In a significant diplomatic breakthrough, former President Donald Trump announced that Iran and Israel have reached an agreement for a “complete and total ceasefire.” The announcement, made via Trump’s Truth Social platform, comes amid heightened tensions in the Middle East following a 12-day conflict that raised fears of escalating violence in the region.

According to Trump, the ceasefire will take effect in approximately six hours, allowing both nations to wind down their military operations. The announcement specifies that the ceasefire will last for 12 hours, leading to an official end to what Trump has termed the “12-day war.” The President expressed congratulations to both nations for their “stamina, courage, and intelligence” in resolving the conflict, which he asserted could have spiraled into a much longer and more destructive war.

During a discussion with Bret Baier, Vice President J.D. Vance elaborated on the implications of the ceasefire. He indicated that the conflict had provided the United States with a unique opportunity to eliminate Iran’s nuclear capabilities without incurring American casualties. “A week ago, Iran was very close to having a nuclear weapon. Now, they are incapable of building one with the equipment they had because we destroyed it,” Vance stated.

The Vice President emphasized the importance of ensuring that Iran does not attempt to rebuild its nuclear program in the future. He noted that while the Iranian nuclear facilities have been obliterated, the U.S. must remain vigilant and engaged in discussions with both Iran and Israel to secure long-term peace in the region.

The Vice President’s remarks also touched on the broader implications of the ceasefire. He suggested that this period of reduced hostilities could pave the way for a new peace process involving not only Iran and Israel but also Gulf Arab states, which have expressed a desire for stability and investment opportunities.

As the ceasefire begins, Vance conveyed cautious optimism regarding Iran’s willingness to engage in peaceful relations. “The Iranians have shown that they don’t want this war to go on much longer,” he said, highlighting the devastation inflicted on Iran’s military capabilities during the conflict.

In the days leading up to the ceasefire, Trump and his administration had been actively pursuing diplomatic avenues, with the former President reportedly communicating with various leaders to facilitate the agreement. Vance noted that the administration’s commitment to preventing Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons has been a central focus of U.S. foreign policy.

In conclusion, the announcement of a ceasefire between Iran and Israel represents a pivotal moment in Middle Eastern diplomacy. The resolution not only aims to halt immediate hostilities but also seeks to lay the groundwork for a more stable and peaceful future in a region long plagued by conflict. As the world watches closely, the effectiveness of this ceasefire will depend on the willingness of both nations to adhere to the agreement and engage in constructive dialogue moving forward.