India-Pakistan conflict: Donald Trump confirms immediate ceasefire has been agreed

The US President made the announcement as tensions threatened to boil over.
Donald Trump has announced that India and Pakistan have agreed to a "full and immediate" ceasefire as tensions between the neighbours started to boil over "terror targets".
The US President's unexpected declaration came as tensions between the neighbouring countries hit a high after India launched missiles into Pakistani-controlled regions of Kashmir earlier this week. This came after a gun massacre on April 22 at a popular tourist site in Kashmir that left 26 civilians dead, mostly Hindu Indian tourists, reports the Mirror.
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Trump wrote on Truth Social: "After a long night of talks mediated by the United States, I am pleased to announce that India and Pakistan have agreed to a FULL AND IMMEDIATE CEASEFIRE. Congratulations to both Countries on using Common Sense and Great Intelligence. Thank you for your attention to this matter!"
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Pakistan's deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar also said the two nations agreed to a ceasefire, shortly after the US President's announcement. Dar said: "Pakistan and India have agreed to a ceasefire with immediate effect. Pakistan has always strived for peace and security in the region, without compromising on its sovereignty and territorial integrity!"
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the neighbouring nations would start discussions on a range of issues. Rubio wrote on X: "I am pleased to announce the Governments of India and Pakistan have agreed to an immediate ceasefire and to start talks on a broad set of issues at a neutral site.
"We commend Prime Ministers Modi and Sharif on their wisdom, prudence, and statesmanship in choosing the path of peace."

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Times

14 minutes ago

• Times

Who are Iran's allies — and will any help after the US strikes?

Iran's foreign minister will hold a 'serious consultation' with President Putin in Moscow on Monday after US strikes on its nuclear facilities. Seyed Abbas Araghchi said the American attacks were 'outrageous and will have everlasting consequences'. Russia has described them as a violation of international law. Dmitry Medvedev, the former Russian president, accused President Trump of starting 'another war' and said the prospect of a US ground operation is now 'looming on the horizon'. 'And now we can say it outright, the future production of nuclear weapons will continue,' he said. 'A number of countries are ready to directly supply Iran with their own nuclear warheads.'The US launched co-ordinated airstrikes overnight against three Iranian nuclear sites — Fordow, Natanz and Isfahan — in what Trump described as a 'very successful attack'. The strikes, widely anticipated after days of mounting tension, came after repeated warnings from Moscow that any direct US action on Iranian soil would amount to a dangerous escalation. Putin is yet to comment publicly on the strikes but despite fiery rhetoric from members of his government, there has been no signal that Russia is preparing a military response. Since Israel began attacking Iran on June 13 in an operation dubbed 'Rising Lion', Russian action has been limited to condemnation and an offer to mediate between the two last week's St Petersburg economic forum, Putin reiterated that Iran had not asked Russia for any military assistance and emphasised that mutual co-operation did not include defence obligations. The 20‑year strategic co-operation deal signed last year between Moscow and Tehran excluded a mutual defence clause. Iran's other allies and its neighbours were quick to condemn the US action, warning that it could precipitate all-out war in the Middle East, but they also stopped short of offering any concrete support. China 'strongly condemned' the attack on Iran, saying it violated 'the purposes and principles of the UN charter and international law', and called for a ceasefire. Lebanon's Hezbollah, once Iran's most powerful proxy, said on Sunday that it had no immediate plans to retaliate. The militants, themselves decimated after a year and a half of war with Israel, have not launched a single attack since the operation Houthis, in Yemen, offered the strongest pledge of action, saying they supported a previous statement from their armed wing, which threatened US naval vessels in the Red Sea in solidarity. Specific details of what Iran will request from Russia during the forthcoming talks have not been officially disclosed by either government, but Araghchi could seek to secure the Kremlin's political or diplomatic backing. Experts said that with resources tied up with the war in Ukraine, Russia is unlikely to be preparing to come to Tehran's rescue. Putin did little to stop the advance of rebels in Syria in December last year who toppled a key Russian ally, Bashar al-Assad, from power. 'Putin will of course fire out a lot of aggressive rhetoric … but he can't do much, ' said Ian Garner, a historian and academic focused on Russian culture and war propaganda. 'It will likely be a case that Putin's bark is very loud but his bite is about as toothless as it gets.' Fyodor Lukyanov, head of Russia's council on foreign and defence policy, which advises the Kremlin, said that Putin's statements in recent days show he is extremely cautious. 'He has never expressed any assessment of one side or the other, only about the need for negotiations and a peaceful solution,' he said. 'Iran may have expected more. It has supplied the Kremlin with thousands of drones and missiles used in the war against Ukraine.'

Sky News

23 minutes ago

• Sky News

Israel-Iran live: 'The game is not over', Khamenei aide warns - as US officials raise terror threat alert

18:40:12 US officials raise terror threat alert The Department of Homeland Security has warned of a "heightened threat environment" in the US following Donald Trump's strikes against Iran. The National Terrorism Advisory System's bulletin says "low-level cyber attacks" against US networks by "pro-Iranian hacktivists" are likely. It adds there is a heightened threat that "the ongoing Israel-Iran conflict could motivate violent extremists and hate crime perpetrators seeking to attack targets". 18:30:01 Analysis: Iraq has a delicate balancing act in the middle of this conflict By Stuart Ramsay, chief correspondent, in northern Iraq Iraq is no different to any other country in the region - anxiously waiting to see what happens next after America's multiple bomb strikes on Iran's nuclear facilities. Where it differs is that Iraq - caught bang in the middle of the war between Israel and Iran, and now the United States - has to juggle its relationships with both Tehran and Washington DC. The Shia Muslim dominated government of Iraq is close to Iran, and its influence on Iraq cannot be underestimated. Shia militia groups in Iraq, while nominally answering to Baghdad, take much of their guidance from Tehran, so their positions must be taken into consideration by the Iraqi government. At the same time, Iraq needs the US because it provides stability and support in the region, and the US military remains the most potent force in stopping terror organisations like Islamic State rejuvenating themselves. There are at least 2,500 American personnel stationed in Iraq, and the US has major interests here - as it does across the Middle East and Gulf states. That US presence itself poses problems - Iran has threatened to attack American interests and personnel across the region. 18:13:32 'The game is not over', Khamenei aide says A political advisor to Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei says the "game is not over" following US strikes on its nuclear sites. Ali Shamkhani said existing "enriched materials, local expertise and political will" all remain despite the physical damage done. He adds that the "operational initiative" is now in the "hands of the party that plays smart". 17:58:01 Iran warns of 'everlasting consequences' Despite international calls for Iran not to escalate the conflict in the Middle East, Tehran is furious following US strikes. Iran's foreign minister Abbas Araghchi warned that the US strikes "will have everlasting consequences" and that Tehran "reserves all options" to retaliate. Speaking today, he said the US and Israel had "blown up" any chance of nuclear negotiations and asked: "How can Iran return to something it never left, let alone blew up?" He's also called for condemnation of the attacks from the UN Security Council at an emergency meeting. Levels of retaliation Iran's Revolutionary Guard has already said it launched 40 missiles at Israel this morning, including its biggest ballistic missile, the Khorramshahr-4. Missile hits were reported at sites in northern and central Israel, including in Haifa, Ness Ziona, Rishon LeZion and Tel Aviv. The Iranian parliament is also moving to close the Strait of Hormuz, according to Iranian state-owned media. This move that would have global ramifications by disrupting the flow of large amounts of oil and gas, as well as other trade. Direct retaliation against the US could include attacks on US bases, warships and aircraft in the region, though Iran's ability to launch missiles and drones has been severely degraded by Israeli strikes over the last two weeks. 17:41:03 E3 leaders urge Iran not to 'destabilise the region' The leaders of the E3 group have urged Iran not to "destabilise the region" in its response to US strikes. Sir Keir Starmer, Germany's Friedrich Merz and France's Emmanuel Macron discussed the latest developments in the Middle East earlier today, according to a statement. "We call upon Iran to engage in negotiations leading to an agreement that addresses all concerns associated with its nuclear program," the leaders say. "We stand ready to contribute to that goal in coordination with all parties. We urge Iran not to take any further action that could destabilise the region." 17:25:01 What you need to know in five bullet points If you're just joining us, here's the story at a glance: The US joined Israel's conflict with Iran last night by bombing nuclear facilities at Fordow, Natanz and Isfahan; Donald Trump said the strikes were a "spectacular military success" and warned Iran further attacks would follow if it didn't now move towards peace; The UN's nuclear watchdog said it was unclear what damage had been done at Fordow, but the Natanz site was now "completely destroyed" and Isfahan suffered "very significant damage"; Iran has branded the attacks "outrageous" and "criminal", while its parliament has reportedly suggested closing the Strait of Hormuz in response; Israel has continued its strikes in Iran following the US attacks, targeting dozens of sites across the country. 17:08:32 Before and after images show impact of US strikes at Natanz and Isfahan Before and after satellite images of Iran's Isfahan and Natanz nuclear sites show the damage after US strikes. Earlier, the head of the UN's nuclear watchdog said the Natanz facility had been "completely destroyed", while its underground halls "suffered a lot" (see 16.15 post). Israeli strikes in the last two weeks had already damaged Iran's largest uranium enrichment centre there. As you can see below, US strikes have now completely reshaped the terrain at Natanz, leaving a giant crater over the site's underground facility. IAEA chief Rafael Grossi also said the Isfahan site had suffered "very significant damage". General Dan Caine, chairman of the US joint chiefs of staff, said a US submarine launched more than two dozen Tomahawk cruise missiles at the Isfahan site. The images below show the damage at the site today, with blackened scorch marks left in place where buildings stood yesterday. To see before and after comparisons of the third site struck by US bombers - Fordow - see our 14.10 post. 16:45:01 'Great unity' in Republican Party, Trump says Donald Trump has taken to Truth Social this evening to proclaim his Republican Party is united in a way "never seen before". The US president has received plenty of support from within his own party following his decision to strike Iran's nuclear facilities. But there has also been at least two GOP politicians suggesting it was unconstitutional for him to bomb Iran without approval from Congress. Ohio representative Warren Davidson said it was "hard to conceive a rationale" that the strikes were constitutional, while Kentucky representative Thomas Massie made similar comments. Some Democrats have called for Trump to be impeached over the unapproved military action. 16:30:01 IDF hits 'furthest target to date' in Iran The Israeli military says it's struck storage facilities deep into Iran containing its long-range Khorramshahr missiles. The air force said the attack was launched "in broad daylight" and was the "furthest target we've struck to date" in Iran. It said the storage facilities were located in the Yazd area of central Iran. "We destroyed Khorramshahr missiles before they were launched at Israel and struck tunnels used to store the missiles," the update says. 16:15:53 Underground damage at Fordow site unclear - but Natanz 'completely destroyed', watchdog says The head of the UN's nuclear watchdog says he doesn't know the extent of damage at Iran's Fordow nuclear facility after US strikes. "There are clear indications of impacts," International Atomic Energy Agency chief Rafael Grossi tells CNN, "but as for the assessment for the degree of damage underground, on this we cannot pronounce ourselves." "No one could tell you how much it has been damaged," he says, adding that because of observed changes in the shape of the sites, "one cannot exclude that there is significant damage there." Grossi says that the Natanz facility has been "completely destroyed," while its underground halls "suffered a lot" because of cuts to electricity as the result of Israeli attacks. The Isfahan site has also suffered "very significant damage," he adds. Grossi will convene an emergency meeting between the IAEA's governors tomorrow "in light of the urgent situation in Iran".

The Sun

24 minutes ago

• The Sun

US warns it WILL strike again and world ‘should listen to Trump' as Iran leaders jet to meet Putin after nuke bomb blitz

THE US has warned it will strike again and that the world "should listen to Trump" after unleashing an unprecedented blitz on three nuclear facilities. It comes imminently after the Iranian foreign minister revealed he is to meet with Russian dictator Vladimir Putin and warned the West of "unprecedented danger". 4 4 4 4 US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said Operation Midnight Hammer was 'an incredible and overwhelming success' that took months and weeks of planning. He added Trump has been clear that "any retaliation by Iran" against the US would be "met with force far greater" than what was seen on Saturday night. Hegseth said: 'Iran would be smart to heed those words. He's said it before, and he means it.' The Defence Secretary went on to praise the US leader, calling it "bold and brilliant, showing the world that American deterrence is back". He urged: "When this President speaks, the world should listen." Iran's foreign minister Abbas Arghchi has said he is going to Russia today to meet mad leader Putin. He revealed: 'I'm going to Moscow this afternoon, and I have a meeting with President Putin tomorrow morning.' Arghchi called Moscow a 'friend of Iran,' adding 'we always consult with each other'. Fears loom that the conflict could spiral into a world war, with Putin puppet Dmitry Medvedev making a veiled threat to supply Iran with nuclear weapons. He said: "A number of countries are ready to directly supply Iran with their nuclear weapons." After declaring the US strikes as being a success, Trump warned that further action could be taken if Tehran doesn't agree to an adequate peace deal. He said in a nationally televised speech at the White House: " Iran, the bully of the Middle East, must now make peace. If they do not, future attacks will be far greater and a lot easier." "There will be either peace or there will be tragedy for Iran far greater than we have witnessed over the last eight days." 'Remember there are many targets left. Tonight's was the most difficult of them all, by far, and perhaps the most lethal. 'But if peace does not come quickly we will go after those other targets with precision, speed and skill. 'Most of them can be taken out in a matter of minutes. There's no military in the world that could have done what we did tonight." And shortly after speaking on-camera, he posted to Truth Social: "This cannot continue. There will be either peace or there will be tragedy for Iran far greater than we have witnessed over the last eight days. "Remember, there are many targets left. Tonight's was the most difficult of them all, by far, and perhaps the most lethal. "But if peace does not come quickly we will go after those other targets with precision, speed and skill." Meanwhile Iran's foreign minister Abbas Arghchi dubbed the strikes "outrageous and will have everlasting consequences". He also called the military action "a grave violation of the UN Charter, international law and the NPT by attacking Iran's peaceful nuclear installations". Today, 15:46 By Annabel Bate Iran says UK foreign sec 'expressed regret' over US strikes UK foreign secretary David Lammy had a phone call with his Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi. According to the readout in Tehran, the two discussed "the latest developments related to the United States' aggression against our country's peaceful nuclear facilities". It added: "In this telephone conversation, our country's foreign minister strongly condemned the aggressive act of the United States and considered it a gross violation of international law. "The British foreign secretary, expressing regret over this act, rejected any role or cooperation of his country and called for the continuation of diplomacy." A readout from the UK side has not yet been released. Today, 15:30 By Annabel Bate Iran's Fordow Fuel Enrichment Plant after US strikes Today, 15:27 By Annabel Bate Underground damage at Iran's Fordow site is 'unclear' While it's clear that US airstrikes overnight hit Iran's enrichment site at Fordow, it is not yet possible to assess the damage done underground there, UN nuclear watchdog chief Rafael Grossi told CNN on Sunday. Inspectors from the International Atomic Energy Agency that Grossi leads have not been able to inspect Iran's nuclear facilities since the first strikes on them by Israel on June 13, and Grossi said he hoped they would be able to return to Fordow and other sites as soon as possible. Today, 15:21 By Jack Newman US warns Iran not to retaliate US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has cautioned Iran against seeking retribution for the devastating blitz. He warned retaliation would be "the worst mistake they've ever made". It echoes comments by Donald Trump and his Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth who threatened to strike Iran again if they tried to fight back. Today, 15:18 By Jack Newman Iran votes to close Strait of Hormuz In a dramatic escalation, Iran has retaliated to the US bombardment by voting to close the Strait of Hormuz. The passage is one of the most important shipping lanes in the world, with 20 per cent of global oil and gas transported through the waters. Its closure could send oil and gas prices skyrocketing internationally and wreak havoc for trade and international shipping. The final decision to close the Strait will be taken by the Supreme National Security Council. Today, 14:13 By Annabel Bate Close-up view of craters after US strikes on Iran's Fordow Fuel Enrichment Plant Today, 14:08 By Annabel Bate Middle East conflict is 'highly volatile' says Canadian PM Canada's prime minister Mark Carney has warned that the conflict in the Middle East is 'highly volatile'. He said on X: "Iran's nuclear programme is a grave threat to international security, and Canada has been consistently clear that Iran can never be allowed to develop a nuclear weapon. "While U.S. military action taken last night was designed to alleviate that threat, the situation in the Middle East remains highly volatile. "Stability in the region is a priority. Canada calls on parties to return immediately to the negotiating table and reach a diplomatic solution to end this crisis. "As G7 leaders agreed in Kananaskis, the resolution of the Iranian crisis should lead to a broader de-escalation of hostilities in the Middle East, including a ceasefire in Gaza." Today, 14:05 By Annabel Bate Iran says nuclear know-how 'cannot be destroyed' Iran said its knowledge in the nuclear field "cannot be destroyed" after the United States carried out a series of strikes Sunday on atomic facilities in the Islamic republic. "They should know that this industry has roots in our country and the roots of this national industry cannot be destroyed," said Atomic Energy Organization of Iran spokesman Behrouz Kamalvandi, according to Tasnim news agency. "Of course, we have suffered damage, but this is not the first time that the industry has suffered damage." Today, 13:49 By Annabel Bate US sending 'public and private messages to Iran' US defence secretary Pete Hegseth revealed that there were "both public and private messages being directly delivered to the Iranians". He added that they were being delivered "in multiple channels". Hegseth added: "Iran understands precisely what the American position is, precisely what steps they can take to allow for peace." Today, 13:47 By Nick Parker Operation named 'Midnight Hammer' Chairman of the US join chiefs of staff Dan Caine revealed the operation was named Midnight Hammer. Caine said that at midnight on Friday, a gargantuan B-2 strike package of bombers launched from the US but - to stay under the radar - some flew west into the Pacific. This was dubbed as a "deception effort". Caine explained: "It was planned and executed across multiple domains and theatres with coordination that reflects our ability to project power globally with speed and precision at the time and place of our nation's choosing." Today, 13:39 By Nick Parker Watch: The Sun's Foreign Editor reports from Israel The Sun reports from inside as Israel as tensions flare following US air strikes Today, 13:15 By Annabel Bate Hegseth boasts strikes on nuke facilities were 'incredible and overwhelming success' US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said on Sunday that US military strikes against Iranian nuclear facilities were "an incredible and overwhelming success" which took months and weeks of positioning to carry out. Hegseth said the strikes did not target Iranian troops or people, but they did obliterate Iran's nuclear ambitions. "The operation President Trump planned was bold and it was brilliant, showing the world that American deterrence is back. "When this President speaks, the world should listen," Hegseth said. By Martina Bet Comment: Starmer is 'trying to have it both ways' Sir Keir Starmer says he's focused on 'de-escalation' but it's clear the UK wasn't in the driving seat when America launched its dramatic overnight strikes on Iran. He insists the Government was 'given due notice' but that's just diplomatic code for we were told, not asked. Britain played no part in the military action, didn't offer its bases, and wasn't in the room when the trigger was pulled. For a country that calls the US its closest ally, it's a humbling moment. While the PM has backed the goal - stopping Iran from building a bomb - he's skating carefully around the method. He won't say if the strikes were legal. He won't say what it would take for Britain to get involved. He's trying to have it both ways: supporting Washington while staying out of the firing line. So far, it's a delicate balancing act, but one that gets harder by the hour. If Iran strikes back, especially at US or Israeli targets, pressure on Britain to act will skyrocket. Meanwhile, the opposition is flexing its muscles. Priti Patel says the strikes were 'absolutely essential' and questions whether the UK even offered help. She's urging the government to move faster, act tougher, and stop hiding behind process. And she's not wrong to ask: if Britain has the capability to help stop a nuclear Iran, why didn't we step up? The PM of course, wants to sound strong, act calm, and avoid war. But when your closest ally goes in hard, and you're stuck on the sidelines, questions start piling up. Today, 12:42 By Annabel Bate Revolutionary Guard warns of using options 'beyond understanding' The Revolutionary Guard said it would 'use options beyond the understanding' of the US and Israel that 'must expect regrettable responses'. It described retaliation as 'its legitimate right to self-defence'. 'The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps is well aware of the terrain of this combined and full-scale imposed war and will never be intimidated by the clamor of Trump and the criminal gang ruling the White House and Tel Aviv,' a Revolutionary Guard statement said. Today, 12:34 By Annabel Bate Air defences activated in parts of Iran - state media Air defences have been activated in parts of eastern Tehran, Iranian state media reports. It reportedly happened in the eastern Tehran province and the Yazd province. Today, 12:19 By Annabel Bate Trump pictured with national security team in Situation Room of the White House on Saturday