MIDDLE EAST - The Iran-Israel ceasefire has come into effect, Iranian state media outlet Press TV said on social media, following a spate of Iranian strikes that have stoked confusion over Tehran’s willingness to participate in the agreement. “Ceasefire begins following four waves of Iranian attacks on Israeli-occupied territories,” the media channel said in an X update. As of five hours ago — in comments preceding US President Donald Trump’s announcement that the detente had taken effect — Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi had refuted the existence of a formal arrangement, while allowing for the easing of hostilities.
“As of now, there is NO 'agreement' on any ceasefire or cessation of military operation,” he said at the time. “However, provided that the Israeli regime stops its illegal aggression against the Iranian people no later than 4 am Tehran time, we have no intention to continue our response afterwards.”