Iran, Israel continue to trade blows after Trump’s ceasefire deal

A ceasefire between Israel and Iran, brokered by US President Donald Trump, appeared close to collapse yesterday following fresh missile attacks and retaliatory airstrikes, just hours after the agreement was announced.

The announcement came early yesterday after Iran launched missiles at US military bases in Qatar and Iraq in retaliation for earlier American strikes on its nuclear sites. 

Trump declared a "complete and total ceasefire" between the two sides, praising their "stamina, courage, and intelligence" in ending what he termed "THE 12 DAY WAR".

Under the agreement, Iran would halt its attacks first, followed by Israel 12 hours later. Trump posted on Truth Social: "THE CEASEFIRE IS NOW IN EFFECT. PLEASE DO NOT VIOLATE IT!"

CNN reported that Trump had coordinated directly with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, while senior US officials – working through indirect channels – negotiated with Iranian counterparts, with Qatar acting as key mediator.

Trump was 'desperate' for deal

Iranian state media described Trump's efforts as desperate, claiming he sought a truce "in a begging-like manner" after the Al Udeid US base in Qatar was struck. Despite that narrative, a senior Iranian official confirmed to Reuters that Tehran had accepted the US-Qatar ceasefire proposal.

Israel, too, confirmed its acceptance in a statement from Netanyahu's office, thanking the US for its support and for helping "eliminate the Iranian nuclear threat."

Missiles strike hours after truce

Within hours of the ceasefire's scheduled implementation, Israeli military forces reported detecting a new wave of Iranian missile attacks. A video shared by The Jerusalem Post showed a strike hitting Beesheba in southern Israel, killing at least three and injuring several others.

In response, Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz said he had authorised strikes on Tehran, citing a breach of the ceasefire. "Iran's blatant violation of the ceasefire declared by the President of the United States" left Israel no choice but to retaliate, he said.

Tehran, however, denied the allegation. Nour News, affiliated with Iran's security apparatus, reported that no missiles had been launched since the ceasefire began.

Trump's frustration spills over

President Trump reacted with frustration, accusing both sides – particularly Israel – of undermining his truce. En route to a NATO summit in The Hague, he warned on social media: "Israel. Do not drop those bombs. If you do it is a major violation. Bring your pilots home, now!"

Before departing Washington, he told reporters he was "not happy" with the violations and criticised Israel for "unloading" immediately after committing to the ceasefire. Axios later reported that Netanyahu refused to cancel a retaliatory strike, insisting Iran's missile fire required a response.

Following a tense phone call, Israel limited its actions to striking a radar installation north of Tehran but paused further escalation, according to the Prime Minister's Office.

Following these incidents, no further attacks had been reported. Iran continued to deny breaching the truce, and Israel's retaliation appeared restrained – indicating the ceasefire was still holding, at least for the time being.

Trump rules out regime change – for now

Trump told Reuters on Tuesday that he was not seeking regime change in Tehran. "I want to see a strong Iran," he said, adding that the suffering of the Iranian people was "unacceptable."

Just a day earlier, however, Trump had posted: "If the current Iranian Regime is unable to MAKE IRAN GREAT AGAIN, why wouldn't there be a regime change??? MIGA!!!."

Global reactions

Saudi Arabia welcomed Trump's announcement, with state media reporting the kingdom's support for the ceasefire "formula reached between the two parties".

China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi also urged all parties to commit to a "real ceasefire" and return to political negotiations on the Iranian nuclear issue.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said Moscow supported a truce but warned it was too early to judge its viability. "It is very difficult to make any final conclusions now and get a clear picture," he said.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the EU "welcomes" the ceasefire announcement. "It's an important step towards restoring stability in a region in tension.