Ceasefire Declared After Iran's Telegraphed Strike on US Base Yields No Casualties

WASHINGTON D.C. – President Donald Trump announced a "complete and total ceasefire" between Israel and Iran on Monday, June 23, 2025, following a retaliatory missile strike by Iran on a U.S. military base in Qatar. The Iranian attack on Al Udeid Air Base was described as largely symbolic and telegraphed in advance, resulting in no reported casualties or significant damage to military infrastructure. This development came after a period of intense escalation, including U.S. airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities.

The ceasefire announcement followed a 12-day escalatory spiral that began with Israeli attacks on Iranian nuclear and missile installations, prompting missile barrages from Iran against Israel. The United States intervened with its own strikes on three key Iranian nuclear sites—Fordo, Isfahan, and Natanz—on Saturday, June 21, aiming to degrade Iran's nuclear capabilities. These U.S. actions were undertaken without explicit congressional authorization, sparking debate over presidential war powers.

Iran's subsequent missile launch on the U.S. base in Qatar was reportedly forewarned to American and Qatari officials, allowing for evacuations and interception efforts. President Trump acknowledged this, stating on social media, "I want to thank Iran for giving us early notice, which made it possible for no lives to be lost, and nobody to be injured." He added, "Most importantly, they’ve gotten it all out of their ‘system,’ and there will, hopefully, be no further HATE," signaling a desire for de-escalation.

The swift de-escalation prompted varied reactions. Senator Ted Cruz commented on social media, stating, "President Trump’s attack on Iran produced a ceasefire, which is powerful. But it also sent the media and Democrats into full-time spin patrol." Indeed, Democrats and some legal scholars criticized Trump’s unilateral military action, arguing it violated the Constitution and risked wider conflict.

Internationally, the U.N. Secretary-General expressed grave alarm, calling for de-escalation and adherence to international law. Countries including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, Russia, and China also voiced concern and urged restraint and diplomatic solutions. In contrast, Israel's Prime Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised Trump's decision to target Iran's nuclear facilities, asserting it would "change history." The current ceasefire remains tentative, with calls for renewed negotiations to address underlying tensions in the region.