JERUSALEM — President Donald Trump announced that a ceasefire between Iran and Israel had begun Tuesday, urging both nations to respect the agreement. The phased truce was set to start at 0400 GMT with Iran halting operations first, followed by Israel 12 hours later.

However, Iran denied a formal deal had been reached, stating it would stop retaliatory strikes only if Israel ceased its attacks by 4am Tehran time. Just before the ceasefire deadline, Iran launched missiles that killed four people in Israel, while explosions rocked Tehran overnight.

Trump’s truce call came after Iran also struck the US Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar in response to American attacks on Iranian nuclear facilities. The strike was described as "measured," avoiding casualties.

International leaders, including Macron and China, urged de-escalation amid fears of a broader war. Israeli strikes have reportedly killed over 400 in Iran, while 24 Israelis have died in Iranian attacks.