In what may prove to be a calculated gamble, US President Donald Trump’s decision to launch airstrikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities appears to have nudged Israel and Iran toward a ceasefire.
On Monday night, Trump announced that both nations had agreed to halt hostilities in what he dubbed the “12-Day War,” a conflict that had threatened to draw the United States into a full-scale regional war.
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said in a statement that Tehran would not retaliate further if Israel ceased “illegal aggression against the Iranian people” by 4:00 AM Tehran time. Reports indicate Israeli strikes stopped as the deadline passed.
A Calculated Show of Force
Over the weekend, US forces struck three major Iranian nuclear enrichment sites. While the action sparked fears of escalation, Trump’s administration claims the targeted mission was a deterrent, not a declaration of war.
When Iran responded by launching missiles at a massive US military base in Qatar, all were intercepted with no reported casualties. Trump then described Iran’s action as a “very weak response” and praised US defenses for neutralizing the threat.
“Perhaps Iran can now proceed to peace and harmony in the region,” Trump posted on his social media platform shortly after.
Backchannel Diplomacy in Motion
According to the White House, Trump remained in close contact with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Qatari mediators throughout Monday. The administration now believes a sustainable de-escalation is possible.
This back-and-forth mirrors a 2020 episode when Trump ordered the assassination of Iranian General Qasem Soleimani. That event led to an Iranian missile attack on US bases, injuring more than 100 American personnel but ultimately resulting in no further escalation.
Signals of De-escalation
Iran’s measured response—equal in scale to the US strike—and prior notification to Qatar suggest a preference for proportional retaliation over war. Trump acknowledged the advance warning and expressed gratitude for diplomatic efforts behind the scenes.
Meanwhile, concerns remain about future provocations. If Iran were to conduct another round of attacks resulting in American deaths or serious infrastructure damage, pressure would likely mount on Trump to respond more forcefully.
For now, both Washington and Tehran appear to be weighing the costs of continued conflict.
Strategic, Not Just Symbolic
Although the airstrikes may have been risky, early signs suggest Trump’s aggressive stance may have opened the door for dialogue—though it remains fragile.
While US officials remain wary, they emphasize that President Trump has shown a willingness to follow through on threats while leaving the door open for peace if the conditions are right.
