June 24, 2025 — After nearly two weeks of escalating military conflict between Iran and Israel, a tentative ceasefire has been declared, brokered by former U.S. President Donald Trump. While the announcement brought temporary relief to a region on the brink of a broader regional war, renewed hostilities within hours of the truce have cast serious doubt on its viability.
🕊️ What Happened
The crisis intensified rapidly between June 21–23, following coordinated U.S. The strikes zeroed in on Iran’s most strategically sensitive nuclear installations — Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan — each deeply embedded and heavily shielded to withstand conventional attacks. These strikes, carried out by stealth B-2 bombers and submarine-launched cruise missiles, were described by the Pentagon as a “decisive preemptive measure” aimed at halting Iran’s alleged accelerated nuclear weapons development.
Iran responded by launching over a dozen ballistic missiles at Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, a key American military outpost in the Gulf. Though the attack caused no fatalities, it marked a dangerous escalation by drawing U.S.
Simultaneously, Israel began an intense bombing campaign targeting Iranian military and intelligence infrastructure near Tabriz, Shiraz, and the outskirts of Tehran. Satellite imagery confirmed widespread damage to at least three radar and air defense facilities.
On June 24, Trump posted on Truth Social that a “complete and total ceasefire” had been negotiated. Dubbed the “12-Day War”, Trump claimed credit for preventing what could have spiraled into a region-wide conflict and promised that phased de-escalation would begin immediately.
🧩 Ceasefire Acknowledgement
🇮🇱 Israel’s Position
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office swiftly confirmed Israel’s acceptance of the ceasefire, citing successful completion of military objectives and a strategic pause. Officials stated that Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) would remain in a defensive posture, prepared to retaliate if Iran or its proxies—especially Hezbollah in Lebanon or IRGC-linked militias in Syria—launched any additional attacks.
🇮🇷 Iran’s Stance
Iran has been more ambiguous. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi initially denied the existence of a formal truce, accusing Trump of political showmanship. However, IRIB state media later broadcast a statement from the Iranian Supreme National Security Council indicating conditional compliance with the ceasefire, provided that Israel halts all offensive operations by midnight June 25. Iran also demanded the U.S. cease surveillance drone flights over its nuclear facilities as a condition for ongoing peace.
⚠️ Ceasefire Breach Concerns
Despite the diplomatic breakthrough, reports emerged within hours of major violations by both sides:
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Iran allegedly launched short-range missiles and drones targeting Beersheba and Haifa, killing at least 14 civilians and injuring dozens.
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Israel responded with airstrikes near the Kahrizak radar station south of Tehran and activated its Arrow-3 and David’s Sling air defense systems to intercept additional incoming threats.
Former President Trump, who had taken personal credit for the ceasefire, expressed frustration on a radio interview and later reposted:
The UN Security Council convened an emergency closed-door meeting but failed to produce a unified resolution, with vetoes from both Russia and the U.S. blocking any formal action.
🌐 International Reactions and Strategic Implications
The Arab League, along with Qatar, Egypt, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia, welcomed the ceasefire announcement but urged both nations to act responsibly. Saudi Arabia warned that any attack on its territory—intentional or accidental—could trigger “unavoidable consequences.”
At the diplomatic level, Russia and China voiced stern objections to U.S. involvement, accusing Washington of escalating tensions under the guise of preemptive defense., labeling the initial airstrikes as “illegal aggression” and demanding an immediate return to multilateral nuclear negotiations under the JCPOA framework.
Security experts caution that both Iran and Israel are testing the limits of deterrence, and that proxy groups in Lebanon, Iraq, and Syria could escalate independently, igniting unintended regional war.
📈 Market Reactions
Markets reflected measured optimism:
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Brent crude dropped 3.3%, falling to $116.70/barrel, following an earlier spike past $125.
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Gold prices dipped slightly, signaling reduced immediate investor anxiety.
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Global equities rebounded, particularly in U.S. and Gulf markets, though energy stocks showed volatility.
Analysts warn that this may be a temporary reprieve, and a single missile incident could reverse gains.
✅ Summary Table
| Status | Details |
|---|---|
| Ceasefire | Announced by Trump; formally accepted by Israel; conditionally observed by Iran |
| Violations | Yes — Missiles launched, airstrikes conducted within hours |
| Outlook | Fragile and uncertain; subject to proxy interference and mutual mistrust |
| Key Stakeholders | U.S., Iran, Israel, Gulf States, UN, Russia, China |
| Next 48 Hours | Critical — Will determine whether ceasefire stabilizes or collapses |
✍️ Analysis: A Pause or Prelude?
The ceasefire, though significant, remains tenuous at best. The mutual distrust, lack of binding international mechanisms, and the involvement of non-state actors complicate enforcement. The absence of neutral verification (e.g., UN peacekeepers or IAEA-led monitoring) means both sides can act unilaterally while claiming self-defense.
Observers note that this is not the first time Iran and Israel have clashed indirectly, but this episode represents the closest brush with direct war in over a decade. The “12-Day War,” even if short-lived, has reshaped strategic calculus in the Middle East and beyond.