US President Donald Trump declared a “complete and total” ceasefire between Israel and Iran on Monday, signaling a hopeful pause after nearly two weeks of escalating conflict. The ceasefire was expected to take effect early Tuesday morning, with Trump expressing optimism that the truce would be “unlimited” and last indefinitely.
However, the fragile agreement quickly showed signs of strain. Early Tuesday, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz accused Iran of violating the ceasefire, warning that Israel would “respond with force.” Israeli forces reported intercepting two missiles launched from Iran, escalating fears that the truce might unravel within hours of its announcement.
Iranian officials denied the claims of missile launches, with a senior security official stating that no missiles had been fired after midnight local time. The official cautioned that any Israeli missteps would trigger attacks on all “occupied territories,” suggesting the situation remained tense and volatile.
The ceasefire followed a period of intense military exchanges. Just 24 hours earlier, the US had authorized strikes on three Iranian nuclear sites, which Iran retaliated against by launching missiles targeting the US-run Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar. However, Qatar reportedly intercepted all but one missile, which caused no casualties. Trump acknowledged Iran’s “early notice” of the attack, viewing it as a diplomatic gesture aimed at reducing further escalation.
International reactions to the ceasefire announcement were cautiously hopeful. Qatar was instrumental in mediating the agreement, while regional leaders welcomed the prospect of reduced hostilities. China expressed hope that the truce would be swiftly implemented. Despite this, experts warn that ceasefires in the Middle East are often fragile, and the potential for a rapid breakdown remains high.
Meanwhile, the focus is also on Gaza, where more than 55,000 people have died in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas. Israel’s opposition leader, Yair Lapid, called for a ceasefire on the Gaza front to facilitate the return of hostages and enable reconstruction. The Hostages and Missing Families Forum echoed this sentiment, stating that those capable of securing a ceasefire with Iran should also work to end the Gaza war.
As the situation unfolds, the world watches closely, hopeful for peace but prepared for renewed conflict.
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