A fragile ceasefire between Israel and Iran sparked global relief on Tuesday, but cracks appeared within hours, as both sides accused each other of violations and vowed to remain on high alert.
Former US President Donald Trump, who brokered the truce, confirmed both parties had breached the ceasefire. “Both Iran and Israel violated the ceasefire,” he said, expressing “particular disappointment” with Israel before departing for the NATO summit in The Hague. He nonetheless claimed Iran’s nuclear capabilities had been “eliminated” and that Tehran would never restore its programme.
Iran denies launching missiles after the ceasefire began. Its military headquarters stated that Israeli airstrikes continued until 9:00am, 90 minutes past the agreed start time. Meanwhile, Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz claimed Iran had violated the truce by firing missiles at Israeli territory and ordered fresh strikes on regime assets in Tehran.
Symbolic strikes and contested victories
The Evin prison in Tehran, home to political dissidents and foreign nationals, was reportedly struck by Israel just before the ceasefire took effect. Iran has since relocated prisoners due to structural damage. Casualties among staff and visitors have been reported but not specified.
The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights condemned the attack, stating that Evin “is not a military target” and that the strike was a “flagrant violation of international humanitarian law.”
Still, many Israelis and Iranians expressed relief at the announcement of peace, or at least pause. “Better late than never,” said one Israeli civilian whose house had been destroyed. An Iranian man returning to Tehran from Rasht told Reuters, “The war never should have started.”
Iran and Israel both claim victory
Despite the fragile truce, both countries have framed the ceasefire between Israel and Iran as a strategic win. Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu said Israel had achieved its military objectives. Iran’s Supreme National Security Council declared it had forced Israel into a “unilateral cessation” of the war, claiming “a divine victory.”
Tehran’s nuclear agency also stated that plans to resume the country’s programme are already in place and that operations would continue without interruption.
New strikes in Iraq raise regional alarm
In a separate but related development, drone strikes targeted multiple military bases in Iraq early Tuesday, damaging radar systems near Baghdad and in the south. No group has claimed responsibility. Iraqi forces intercepted further attacks and are investigating the source, amid fears of a broader regional escalation.
World reaction: hope and hesitation
Qatar’s Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed Al Thani expressed hope that “we won’t see renewed hostility in the Gulf.” Russia backed the ceasefire but warned against hasty conclusions. Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov noted that both Qatari and American officials played roles in securing the truce, but added, “It is difficult to say whether it will last.”
Despite the tensions, global markets reacted positively. Oil prices fell, and stock indices rose, banking on the assumption that the worst may be over.
Still, the ceasefire between Israel and Iran remains precarious, with diplomacy hanging by a thread and both militaries keeping “fingers on the trigger.”
Also read: Trump ceasefire plan ends 12-day Israel–Iran war
For more videos and updates, check out our YouTube channel.
