June 24, 2025 — Iran’s Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi has firmly denied U.S. President Donald Trump’s claim of a ceasefire agreement between Iran and Israel, casting doubt on prospects for de-escalation in the escalating 12-day conflict. The rebuttal follows Trump’s announcement on Truth Social, where he declared a “complete and total ceasefire” brokered through Qatari mediation, describing it as a diplomatic triumph to end what he called “The 12-Day War.”Trump’s Ceasefire ClaimOn June 24, 2025, Trump announced that Israel and Iran had agreed to a phased ceasefire, set to begin within hours. The plan outlined a 12-hour pause by Iran, followed by Israel, culminating in an “official end” to hostilities within 24 hours. Trump credited his administration’s “peace through strength” approach, with U.S. and Israeli officials confirming Qatar’s role in the negotiations. Vice President JD Vance called the conflict “effectively over,” hinting at renewed regional peace talks.The announcement followed a 12-day escalation sparked by Israeli airstrikes on June 13 targeting Iran’s nuclear and military sites. Iran retaliated with missile strikes on a U.S. airbase in Qatar, prompting U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities under “Operation Midnight Hammer.”Iran’s DenialHours before Trump’s post, Araghchi took to X, rejecting any ceasefire agreement. “Israel launched war on Iran, not the other way around,” he stated, emphasizing that no deal existed. He offered a conditional pause, stating Iran would halt its response if Israel ceased airstrikes by 4 a.m. Tehran time, but stressed that any final decision would come later. A senior Iranian official told CNN that Tehran had received no ceasefire proposal, dismissing U.S. and Israeli claims as “deception.”
Reports of explosions in Tehran after Trump’s announcement further undermined the ceasefire’s validity.Mediation Efforts and ContradictionsWhile U.S. officials credited Qatar’s Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani with facilitating talks, Iran’s silence or outright denial of a deal has fueled confusion. Earlier reports indicated Tehran’s refusal to negotiate under attack, a stance reiterated to mediators Qatar and Oman on June 16. Israel, meanwhile, signaled its intent to achieve “strategic objectives” before halting operations, complicating diplomatic efforts.
Regional and Global Impact
The conflict has raised fears of a broader regional war, with Israel’s strikes targeting Iran’s nuclear program—claimed by Tehran to be peaceful—and U.S. involvement drawing Russian criticism and warnings from the International Atomic Energy Agency. Financial markets saw oil prices dip after Trump’s announcement, reflecting cautious optimism, but analysts warn that sustained diplomacy is critical to prevent renewed hostilities.Uncertain Path ForwardThe conflicting narratives underscore the fragility of the situation. While Trump projects confidence in a ceasefire, Iran’s denial and ongoing military activity suggest the conflict is far from resolved. The success of any truce hinges on both sides’ compliance and Qatar’s ability to mediate. As the Middle East teeters on the brink, the world awaits clarity on whether peace can prevail.