Iran: President Pesekian Declares End of the ’12-Day Imposed War’

Iranian President Masoud Pesekian announced the end of the ’12-day war’ imposed on his country in a message broadcast by the official IRNA news agency on June 24, 2025. “Today, after the heroic resistance of our great nation, whose determination is writing history, we witness the ceasefire and the end of this 12-day imposed war caused by the provocations of Israel,” stated the Iranian president. Following the announcement, hundreds took to the streets of Tehran to show support for the regime, waving Iranian flags, holding posters of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, and banners reading ‘Down with the USA.’ Authorities portrayed the halt of attacks as a triumph that forced the enemy to admit defeat. However, opponents of the regime remained hesitant to protest openly. Some Iranians who spoke to Reuters, including past critics of the Islamic Republic, noted how airstrikes united people against perceived foreign aggression. Despite this unity, many Iranians still harbor resentment toward their leaders, especially amid an economy battered by sanctions. A 63-year-old man from Rasht expressed frustration: “This is unacceptable. It’s cruel. Why are we attacked while officials hide in safe places? I blame those making decisions here; their policies have brought us war and destruction.”