Daijiworld Media Network – Dubai

Dubai, June 24: In a dramatic turn of events amid surging Middle East tensions, Iranian state television briefly reported the beginning of a ceasefire following a deadly missile barrage that killed three people in Israel. However, Iran’s Foreign Ministry swiftly refuted claims of any formal agreement, even as US President Donald Trump declared that Iran and Israel had agreed to a “complete and total ceasefire”.

The developments unfolded in the early hours of Tuesday, after Iran launched a retaliatory missile strike on a US military base in Qatar. The attack, which was described as “limited” by Iranian officials, came in response to what Tehran called the “unlawful” bombing of its nuclear facilities by American forces.

Despite Trump’s announcement of a ceasefire, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi issued a strong rebuttal through a statement on X (formerly Twitter). “As of now, there is NO agreement on any ceasefire or cessation of military operations,” he said, adding that Iran’s next steps would depend on Israel's actions.

“If the Israeli regime halts its illegal aggression against the Iranian people by 4 am Tehran time, we will not continue our response further,” Araghchi clarified in a post timestamped at 4:16 am. “The final decision on cessation of our military operations will be made later,” he stated, leaving the situation hanging in a precarious balance.

Meanwhile, no official word came from Israel confirming any truce. Instead, heavy Israeli airstrikes reportedly continued in Tehran and several other Iranian cities in the early hours of Tuesday, further fuelling speculation that a broader regional conflict could still erupt.

The international community has expressed growing concern over the unfolding crisis, urging both nations to exercise restraint and return to diplomatic channels. The situation remains fluid as observers around the world await official confirmation on whether hostilities will truly subside or escalate further.