Iran will halt attacks if Israel ceases 'illegal aggression': Araghchi

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi announced on Monday that Iran will not retaliate if Israel ceases its military operations, marking a potential turning point in the escalating conflict between the two nations.

Speaking to local media, Araghchi said, “If Israel refrains from attacking Tehran from 4 a.m. local time, we will also hold back from any response.”

The statement follows a high-level declaration by U.S. President Donald Trump, who confirmed that both Iran and Israel have agreed to a “full and comprehensive ceasefire.” The truce is expected to take effect within the next 24 hours.

“This war could have continued for years and devastated the entire Middle East,” President Trump said during a press briefing. “But that didn’t happen — and it never will. God bless Israel, God bless Iran, God bless the Middle East, God bless the United States, and God bless the world.”

Hours before the ceasefire was announced, Israel had issued evacuation warnings to residents in Tehran’s densely populated Seventh District. Reports of airstrikes in the area soon followed.

In retaliation, Iran issued a warning to Israeli citizens in several regions, declaring that missile strikes would occur on Tuesday morning if hostilities continued.

Tensions between the two nations had been escalating in recent days, with cross-border attacks raising fears of a broader regional conflict. The ceasefire agreement now offers a chance for both sides to de-escalate and avoid further bloodshed.