Tehran Rejects Ceasefire Claims, Issues Ultimatum to Israel

Iran has formally dismissed assertions of a ceasefire agreement with Israel, countering U.S. President Donald Trump's declaration of a truce in what he termed a "12-day war." Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated via social media platform X that Tehran's military operations persisted "until the very last minute" of the 4:00 am local time (00:30 GMT) deadline.

"No formal arrangement exists regarding cessation of hostilities," Araghchi emphasized, while outlining Iran's conditional stance: "Should Israel halt its unlawful aggression against Iranians before the specified deadline, we will not proceed with further retaliation. The ultimate resolution... will be determined subsequently." He later confirmed operations concluded at the appointed hour, lauding Iranian forces for their "resolve to defend the homeland until their final breath."

This contradicts Trump's earlier announcement of mutual de-escalation, which lacked confirmation from either involved nation. Adam Clements, a former Pentagon official and foreign policy analyst, expressed skepticism regarding the truce, noting persistent Israeli airstrikes and the absence of public commitments. "Trust remains critically low," Clements observed from Washington. "How would the U.S. enforce such an agreement?" He further warned that Iran's nuclear program might intensify covert activities if recent U.S. strikes significantly delayed its progress.

Israeli leadership maintained silence amid the diplomatic crossfire, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's cabinet issuing no statements. Local media cited a government-imposed gag order preventing ministerial commentary on ceasefire discussions, though reports indicated prior U.S. pressure for operational cessation by week's end.

Simultaneously, regional volatility manifested in Iraq's Salahuddin province, where the Balad military base—formerly a major U.S. installation—reportedly endured two explosions Monday night. Kurdish and Iranian outlets documented the incident, though initial assessments revealed no casualties or structural damage.

The situation remains precarious, with potential for renewed conflict should the fragile standoff unravel.