Iranian state media says ceasefire has begun, after night of deadly strikes targeting Israel

Sky News

5 hours ago

Iranian state television says a ceasefire in its war with Israel has now begun - following a night of missile strikes.
Israel's ambulance service says at least three people were killed - with footage from southern Israel showing extensive damage to what appeared to be a residential building.
Sirens sounded in several areas - and members of the public who received an alert were ordered to take shelter, with explosions heard over Tel Aviv.
Late last night, Donald Trump had declared that a "complete and total ceasefire" had been agreed between both countries.
But the US president's claims were thrown into doubt after Iran's foreign minister claimed "no agreement" has been reached.
Abbas Araghchi later clarified Tehran "has no intention" to continue its response - provided the Israeli regime "stops its illegal aggression against the Iranian people".
Mr Trump had initially made the announcement on Truth Social - and said the first stage of the ceasefire would begin at about 5am UK time.
Israeli media reports suggested Benjamin Netanyahu was also on board - provided Iran stops firing missiles towards the country - but there has been no official confirmation.
Mr Trump had written: "Officially, Iran will start the CEASEFIRE and, upon the 12th Hour, Israel will start the CEASEFIRE and, upon the 24th Hour, an Official END to THE 12 DAY WAR will be saluted by the World.
"On the assumption that everything works as it should, which it will, I would like to congratulate both Countries, Israel and Iran, on having the Stamina, Courage, and Intelligence to end, what should be called, 'THE 12 DAY WAR.'
"This is a War that could have gone on for years, and destroyed the entire Middle East, but it didn't, and never will!"
2:58
In an interview with Sky News' partner network NBC, the president said it was a "great day" for the US and the Middle East - and a "wonderful day" for the world.
"I'm very happy to have been able to get the job done. A lot of people were dying and it was only going to get worse. It would have brought the whole Middle East down," he said.
Mr Trump said he thinks the ceasefire is "unlimited" and is "going to go forever" - adding: "I don't believe they will ever be shooting at each other again."
Analysis: Seasoned diplomats startled at developments
I've spoken to a diplomat involved in the fast-moving developments of the past 12 hours.
The diplomat, speaking on condition of anonymity because they are not permitted to speak publicly, told me that Donald Trump called the Emir of Qatar yesterday evening.
Trump told the emir that he had a commitment from Israel that it would cease its attacks on Iran. Trump asked the emir to try to secure the same commitment from the Iranians.
The Qatari PM and vice president JD Vance engaged on the details of what they hoped could be achieved.
The Qatari PM then spoke to Iranians (it's not clear who within the Iranian power structure the Qataris spoke to, and my source wouldn't say). The Iranians agreed to stop their attacks.
Shortly after, Iranian foreign minister Abbas Araghchi posted the confirmation, saying: "The military operations of our powerful armed forces to punish Israel for its aggression continued until the very last minute, at 4am.
"Together with all Iranians, I thank our brave armed forces who remain ready to defend our dear country until their last drop of blood, and who responded to any attack by the enemy until the very last minute."
My source could not comment on the complex timeline (six hours, 12 hours, 24 hours) laid out in Donald Trump's Truth Social post, but it's thought that this might have been overtaken now by agreements made by Trump, the Israelis, the Iranians, and Qatar. Time will tell.
It's clear from the tone of the messages I have had from various sources that the pace and style of the developments of the past 12 to 24 hours have left even these seasoned diplomats startled.
Messages from several Middle Eastern diplomats have included emojis reflecting exasperation, surprise and bewilderment.
Just hours earlier, people in the Qatari capital Doha had stopped and gazed up at the sky as Iranian missiles flew to the American al Udeid base and interceptors fired.
Officials said there were no casualties, and the US later confirmed it had been warned about the attack by Iran.
Mr Trump was in the Situation Room in the White House as the strikes took place.
He later claimed on his social network that the missiles were a "very weak response", which the US "expected" and "very effectively countered".
The Iranian attack came after the US on three key nuclear sites in Iran over the weekend.
In a new interview on Fox News, US Vice President JD Vance claimed Iran is no longer able to build nuclear weapons after the American attacks.