The statement, made on social media, came just hours after Iran launched missiles at a US military base in Doha, Qatar, an attack that was intercepted by the Qatari State’s air defences, reportedly causing no casualties or fatalities.

The announcement was met with caution and scepticism, especially given the timing and continued hostilities between the two nations.

Despite President Trump’s declaration that a ceasefire would begin at 6h00 CAT, reports indicate that missile exchanges continued into the early hours, with no clear sign of a halt in hostilities.

“I want to congratulate the two countries on having the stamina, courage and intelligence to end what has been a 12-day war,” Trump posted, referring to the recent escalation that has drawn global alarm over the potential for regional destabilisation.

However, Iran’s Foreign Minister, Seyed Abbas Araghchi, contradicted Trump’s statement in his own social media message, clarifying that no formal agreement had been reached. He nonetheless signalled a conditional openness to ending hostilities, stating Iran would not respond further if Israel ceased its “illegal aggression” on Tuesday.

--Sherwin Bryce-Pease/ChannelAfrica--