After nearly two weeks of intense conflict, a fragile ceasefire between Iran and Israel is holding—for now—offering a rare moment of calm in a region long plagued by volatility.
The truce, brokered by the United States and Qatar, took effect on June 24 and followed a dramatic escalation that saw missile strikes, cyberattacks, and the bombing of nuclear facilities.
The conflict began on June 13 when Israel launched preemptive strikes on Iranian military and nuclear sites, citing intelligence that Tehran was nearing nuclear weapons capability.
The U.S. soon joined the fray, targeting Iran’s Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan nuclear facilities with bunker-buster bombs. Iran retaliated with missile and drone attacks on Israeli cities and a U.S. base in Qatar, resulting in dozens of deaths and thousands of injuries.
Despite the destruction, both sides claimed victory. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared that the strikes had “removed the threat of annihilation,” while Iran’s Supreme Leader praised the resilience of the Iranian people and military.
Yet, beneath the rhetoric, the cost was staggering: over 600 Iranians and 28 Israelis were killed, with thousands more wounded.
The ceasefire was announced by U.S. President Donald Trump, who hailed it as a “complete and total” cessation of hostilities.
Trump’s direct involvement—reportedly including calls to both Israeli and Iranian leaders—was instrumental in halting the violence. The agreement includes a phased cessation of attacks and a commitment to resume diplomatic talks, though Iran has demanded an end to U.S. military strikes as a precondition for nuclear negotiations.
International reactions have been mixed. Turkey and the UK have voiced support for the ceasefire, while China urged both nations to pursue long-term peace.
Meanwhile, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is seeking renewed access to Iranian nuclear sites to assess the damage and verify compliance.
Still, the situation remains precarious. Iran’s parliament has voted to suspend cooperation with the IAEA, and cyberattacks linked to Iranian groups continue to target U.S. and Israeli interests.
Analysts warn that without a broader diplomatic breakthrough, the ceasefire could unravel as quickly as it was forged.
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