A US-brokered ceasefire between Israel and Iran is under severe strain, with Israel claiming a violation by Tehran and threatening renewed strikes. The fragile truce, intended to end a 12-day war, appears to be unraveling just hours after its declaration.
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz publicly ordered a “forceful” military response, targeting “regime targets in the heart of Tehran,” after air raid sirens sounded in northern Israel, signaling what the military described as an Iranian missile launch. Two missiles were reportedly intercepted.
The US President had announced the “Complete and Total CEASEFIRE” on social media, urging both parties to adhere to it. While both Israel and Iran had publicly accepted the agreement, the immediate resumption of accusations and retaliatory orders highlights the immense challenges in securing a lasting peace.
The conflict had intensified in the hours leading up to the ceasefire, with Israel carrying out its most intense airstrikes on Tehran and Iran launching 20 missiles into Israeli territory. The current developments suggest a worrying continuation of the cycle of violence, despite international efforts to de-escalate.