NEW DELHI: US President Donald Trump announced that a ceasefire between Israel and Iran is now in effect, urging both sides to honor the agreement and avoid further escalation. The announcement raised hopes of an end to the 12-day conflict, despite reports of fresh deadly attacks in both countries.

“THE CEASEFIRE IS NOW IN EFFECT. PLEASE DO NOT VIOLATE IT!” Trump wrote on Truth Social, signaling a potential turning point in the conflict that has seen widespread destruction and mounting casualties.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed that Israel had accepted Trump’s ceasefire proposal, asserting that the country had met its strategic objective of neutralizing Iran’s nuclear and ballistic missile capabilities. However, Netanyahu warned that Israel would respond "forcefully" to any violations, according to a statement from his office.

The ceasefire announcement followed a surge in hostilities. The US had also launched airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, prompting Iran to retaliate with missile attacks, including a strike on a U.S. base in Qatar.

Just hours before the ceasefire was declared, Iran fired a final barrage of missiles, according to Iran’s semi-official SNN news agency. Witnesses in Israel reported hearing explosions near Tel Aviv and Beersheba early Tuesday. Israel's military said six waves of missiles were launched from Iran, and emergency services confirmed four civilian deaths in Beersheba.

Meanwhile, in Iran, at least nine people were killed and 33 injured in a reported attack in the northern province of Gilan. The province's deputy governor said four residential buildings were destroyed in what was described as a “terrorist attack,” according to the Tasnim news agency.