Iran Rejects Trump Ceasefire Claim Amid Middle East Tensions

Former U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Monday night via Truth Social that a ceasefire agreement had been reached between Israel and Iran, stating that the war would officially end in 24 hours. Trump detailed that Iran would initiate the first 12-hour truce, followed by Israel starting theirs in the second half, concluding what he referred to as the “12 Day War.” He praised both countries for their “Stamina, Courage, and Intelligence” in ending a conflict he believed could have “destroyed the entire Middle East.”

However, Iran swiftly rejected Trump’s claims. Aziz Nasirzadeh, a senior official in Iran’s National Security Council, denied that Iran had received any ceasefire proposal. Nasirzadeh asserted that Iran was on the verge of intensifying its retaliatory strikes and accused the U.S. of deception. Another Iranian official, Abbas Araghchi, confirmed that Iran had agreed to a Qatar-mediated, U.S.-proposed truce with Israel, stating that Iran was “prepared to observe a temporary ceasefire under the current framework.” This marked the first public acknowledgment from Tehran of a potential diplomatic resolution.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also confirmed the ceasefire, crediting the U.S. and Qatar for their roles in facilitating the agreement. Despite the confirmation, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei posted a defiant message on his X account, stating that the Iranian nation “isn’t a nation that surrenders,” indicating a continued resolve to fight until achieving “lasting peace.”

This complex situation highlights the deep mistrust and conflicting narratives between the parties involved. The U.S. military’s use of deception tactics, as revealed by Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, further complicates the geopolitical landscape. The deployment of bombers over the Pacific as decoys to mislead Iranian defenses underscores the strategic maneuvers employed by the U.S. to maintain an advantage in the region.

Iranian officials, including Pezeshkian, have accused the U.S. of being responsible for Israel's actions towards Iran, suggesting a deeper level of involvement and manipulation. This allegation adds to the strain in U.S.-Iran relations and raises questions about the U.S.'s intentions and the potential for further escalation. The denial of the ceasefire by Iran and the confirmation by Netanyahu illustrate the divergent views and lack of trust between the parties, underscoring the need for transparent and constructive dialogue to address the underlying issues and work towards a lasting resolution.