- A U.S.-brokered ceasefire between Israel and Iran collapsed within hours after reports of Iranian missiles striking Israeli territory, reigniting tensions.
- Both nations accused each other of violating the fragile 12-hour truce, with Israel claiming intercepted missile attacks and Iran denying responsibility while blaming Israeli airstrikes.
- The conflict marks a rare shift from proxy warfare to direct hostilities, with U.S. military involvement (bunker-buster bombs) and Iranian retaliatory strikes on a U.S. base in Qatar.
- Casualties mounted on both sides – 28 dead and 1,000 wounded in Israel, and 974 killed (including 387 civilians) in Iran – amid global calls for de-escalation and defiant rhetoric from hardliners.
- Behind-the-scenes talks involving U.S. officials and intermediaries like Qatar struggled to salvage the ceasefire, but mutual distrust and unresolved nuclear tensions cast doubt on lasting peace.
A ceasefire between Israel and Iran brokered by U.S. President Donald Trump has been undermined just mere hours after it was announced, following reports of Iranian missiles hitting Israeli territory.
The ceasefire announced late Monday, June 23, came after 12 days of conflict between the Jewish nation and the Islamic republic. Israeli airstrikes targeting Iranian nuclear and military sites, prompting retaliatory missile launches from Tehran.
Now, the two nations are pointing fingers at each over purported violations of the 12-hour ceasefire, which began early Tuesday, June 24. Amid this bickering, the fragile agreement meant to de-escalate tensions now faces collapse, raising fears of renewed hostilities in a region already destabilized by decades of mistrust and proxy warfare.
The ceasefire announced by Trump on Truth Social was intended to take effect in phases over 24 hours. However, sirens blared across northern Israel mid-morning Tuesday as explosions rocked residential areas, with Israeli officials claiming two Iranian missiles were intercepted.
Tehran’s military denied the strikes, instead accusing Tel Aviv of continuing attacks. The confusion deepened as Trump acknowledged both sides had violated the agreement, expressing frustration with Israel while urging restraint. “They violated it, but Israel violated it too,” he told reporters before departing for a North Atlantic Treaty Organization summit. (Related: Trump declares CEASEFIRE between Israel and Iran after 12 days of conflict.)
Ceasefire on thin ice: Why peace hangs by a thread
Historical context underscores the volatility of the moment. Iran and Israel have long engaged in a shadow war, with Tehran supporting proxy groups like Hezbollah and Hamas. Meanwhile, Israel has conducted covert operations targeting Iran’s nuclear program.
The current flare-up marks a rare direct confrontation, raising alarms over the potential for miscalculation. Washington entered the fray over the weekend, deploying bunker-buster bombs against Iranian nuclear sites. The Islamic republic countered with retaliatory strikes on a U.S. base in Qatar.
Casualties mount on both sides. Israeli authorities report at least 28 dead and 1,000 wounded, while Washington-based Human Rights Activists estimate 974 killed in Iran, including 387 civilians.
The human toll, coupled with the destruction of civilian infrastructure, has intensified global calls for de-escalation. Yet hardliners in both nations remain defiant. Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich warned Tehran would “tremble,” while Iran’s Ayatollah Ali Khamenei vowed not to surrender.
Behind the scenes, diplomatic channels strained to salvage the ceasefire. Trump communicated directly with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, while U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio engaged Iranian officials through intermediaries, including Qatar.
The White House credited U.S. military pressure for forcing concessions, but the agreement’s durability remains in doubt. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi offered conditional assurances, but stopped short of a full commitment. According to him, Iran would halt attacks if Israel did the same.
As markets reacted cautiously – with European stocks rising and oil prices plunging – the region held its breath. For now, the ceasefire stands, albeit shakily. Yet with both sides nursing grievances and the specter of unfinished nuclear ambitions looming, the path to lasting peace appears fraught.
WWIII.news has more stories about the ongoing Israel-Iran war.
Watch this Sky News Australia report about why President Trump’s involvement in the Israel-Iran conflict is “concerning.”
This video is from the TrendingNews channel on Brighteon.com.
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Sources include:
APNews.com 1
APNews.com 2
CNBC.com
Brighteon.com
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