Iran’s Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi on Monday rejected claims of a finalized ceasefire agreement with Israel, stating that no truce would be possible unless Israel halted all military operations by 4:00 am Tehran time (6:00 am IST).
In a post on X, Araghchi clarified Iran’s position, countering earlier statements made by US President Donald Trump, who had claimed both nations had agreed to a “complete and total” ceasefire. Araghchi insisted that Iran’s military response would cease only if Israel stopped its aggression within the stipulated timeframe.
“As Iran has repeatedly made clear, Israel launched war on Iran, not the other way around. As of now, there is NO ‘agreement’ on any ceasefire or cessation of military operations,” he wrote. “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. The final decision on the cessation of our military operations will be made later.”
In a follow-up post, the Iranian Foreign Minister commended Iran’s armed forces for their continued operations during the conflict. “The military operations of our powerful Armed Forces to punish Israel for its aggression continued until the very last minute, at 4 am,” he stated. “Together with all Iranians, I thank our brave Armed Forces who remain ready to defend our dear country until their last drop of blood.”
These statements came in the wake of a Truth Social post by President Trump, in which he declared that both Iran and Israel had reached a mutual ceasefire agreement, expected to take effect within six hours. Trump claimed that Iran would begin the truce first, with Israel to follow 12 hours later, culminating in a full cessation of hostilities within 24 hours.
“This is a War that could have gone on for years, and destroyed the entire Middle East—but it didn’t, and never will!” Trump wrote, referring to the conflict that erupted on June 13.
The fighting began when Israel launched “Operation Rising Lion,” a major airstrike campaign targeting Iranian military and nuclear sites. Iran responded with “Operation True Promise 3,” and tensions escalated further after the US struck three key Iranian nuclear facilities under “Operation Midnight Hammer.” In retaliation, Iran launched missiles at US military bases in Qatar and Iraq, including the strategic Al Udeid Air Base.
Iran’s latest statement casts uncertainty over the proposed ceasefire timeline, raising doubts about whether hostilities will truly end or continue if Israeli strikes persist.