In a surprising move, President Trump announced a cease-fire arrangement between Israel and Iran on June 23, 2025, catching many within his own administration off guard, according to a senior White House official. The announcement came shortly after Trump's discussions with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Iranian representatives, aided by Qatar's mediation efforts led by Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.
Timed just before 6 p.m. ET, Trump's declaration has yet to receive confirmation from Israel, and within hours, Israeli forces launched additional strikes against Iran, casting doubt on the cease-fire's credibility. Key figures in Trump’s administration—including Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and special envoy Steve Witkoff—played essential roles in facilitating the discussions aimed at curbing Iran's nuclear ambitions.
The U.S. military's recent strikes on three Iranian nuclear sites were cited as critical to creating a backdrop for the cease-fire negotiations. However, there remain unanswered questions regarding Iran's agreements, particularly concerning its stockpile of enriched uranium, which could shape the future of these discussions.
