The sun's rising in the Middle East - on an uncertain kind of ceasefire between Iran and Israel.

Iran State Television has claimed a ceasefire now applies - although Israel's made no official comment yet.

Earlier today, US President Donald Trump announced hostilities would pause between Israel and Iran, saying they want peace.

Geopolitical analyst Geoffrey Miller says a very strange, staggered ceasefire reportedly applies.

"There's now, according to Donald Trump, you've got a 12-hour window until 4am NZT tomorrow in which Israel will be allowed to strike Iran - but Iran will not be able to strike back."

Iran retaliated overnight to US strikes on its nuclear sites - with its attacks intercepted.

LISTEN ABOVE