Following 12 days of heavy fighting, Israel and Iran have agreed to a tentative ceasefire, but only after a last-minute Iranian missile barrage fell inside Israeli territory moments before the deadline.
Ceasefire Declared
On the morning of June 24, Iranian state television Press TV stated that the ceasefire was “in effect following four waves of Iranian attacks on Israeli-occupied territories.”.
In Washington, U.S. President Donald Trump announced the ceasefire through social media, terming it “complete and total.”
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu released a statement in concurrence with Trump, vowing to implement the ceasefire and strike back at any transgressions.
Final Round Before Silence
Despite the declaration of ceasefire, it is reported that Iran fired a last wave of missiles just before the 07:30 GMT deadline. Pressure alarm sirens went off in Beersheba, where early attacks reportedly caused civilian fatalities before the truce kicked in.
In a statement, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that their troops operated “until the very last minute,” leaving questions on compliance with the deal.
Fragile Calm and Rising Tensions
The situation remains volatile. Israel has blamed Iran for firing further missiles two hours into the ceasefire, but Israel’s defence minister then directed “intense strikes” on Tehran in retaliation — though Iran does not admit to any breaches.
Regional and Diplomatic Responses
• Qatar was at the centre mediating the truce between Israel and Iran.
• The International Atomic Energy Agency has requested access to Iranians’ nuclear facilities which have been damaged and is concerned about escalation.
What’s Next
• Israel threatened retaliations in time if Iran seeks further aggression.
• Iran insists that it will resume activity if Israel breaches the ceasefire.
• The international world is still on high alert, closely watching for any indication of a return to military action — from Hezbollah, U.S. allied troops stationed in Qatar, and turmoil in Gaza.
Though the ceasefire technically remains in place, accounts of missile launches following the agreed time window indicate just how tenuous the peace itself is. Only strict observance and international scrutiny can avert a return to all-out warfare — something the world desperately wishes to avert.
