Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Tuesday announced the end of what he called the 12-day war “imposed by Israel,” following a ceasefire brokered with US and Qatari mediation. Speaking to the nation via state media, Pezeshkian hailed the “heroic resistance” of the Iranian people and welcomed the truce, saying it marked the end of a conflict triggered by Israel’s “adventurism and provocation.”
The ceasefire comes after intensive diplomatic efforts, including intervention from Qatar’s Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani at Washington’s request. The Qatari leader convinced Iran to accept a US-proposed ceasefire after Tehran’s missile strike near the Al Udeid US airbase in Qatar — a response to earlier US attacks on Iranian nuclear facilities.
Israel confirmed it had agreed to the truce, which President Donald Trump said was now in effect. While Iran has not formally signed on, its top security body claimed that its military actions forced Israel to unilaterally halt hostilities.
Qatar, which had been working alongside other Gulf states to seek a diplomatic resolution, described the ceasefire as a “meaningful step” toward resolving regional conflicts through dialogue. Sheikh Mohammed stressed that Qatar’s response to the missile strike — which caused no casualties — would be “diplomatic and legal,” reaffirming the country’s role as a mediator.
During separate calls with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed, Pezeshkian expressed Iran’s readiness to resolve differences with the US through negotiations, insisting Tehran seeks only its legitimate right to peaceful nuclear energy and has no intention of acquiring nuclear weapons.
The ceasefire follows nearly two weeks of fierce fighting during which Israel and the US struck multiple Iranian nuclear sites, killing senior scientists and military leaders. The hostilities erupted just ahead of planned US-Iran nuclear talks, now in doubt.
Meanwhile, Israel announced it would lift domestic wartime restrictions on gatherings, workplaces, and schools as of Tuesday night, citing the improved security situation. The measures will remain in place until Thursday evening pending further review.
Qatar’s prime minister also urged a return to Oman-mediated talks on Iran’s nuclear programme and continued efforts to broker a ceasefire in Gaza. He cautioned against Israel using the truce with Iran as cover for intensified strikes on the Gaza Strip.
