Despite claims of a ceasefire announcement by former U.S. President Donald Trump, tensions between Israel and Iran remain dangerously high, with new waves of missile strikes reported overnight in both countries.
On Tuesday, Israeli emergency responders confirmed the deaths of three people following an Iranian missile strike in southern Israel. Meanwhile, explosions rocked Tehran, described as the strongest blasts since the conflict erupted nearly two weeks ago.
Trump, via his Truth Social platform, stated that a “complete and total ceasefire” had been agreed upon by both Israel and Iran, with a 24-hour phased halt in hostilities to begin at 0400 GMT Tuesday. Under the supposed terms, Iran would unilaterally stop operations first, followed by Israel 12 hours later.
“Upon the 24th hour, an official end to the 12-day war will be saluted by the world,” Trump declared.
However, Iranian officials refuted any formal agreement. Iran’s Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, said there was “no agreement” on a ceasefire but noted Iran would halt further strikes if Israel ended its aggression by 4 a.m. Tehran time.
“Provided the Israeli regime stops its illegal aggression… we have no intention to continue our response afterwards,” Araghchi said.
In contrast, Israeli military sirens blared in northern Israel as Iran’s state broadcaster IRIB reported a new wave of missiles heading toward Israeli territory. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) did not confirm any truce and continued operational readiness across several fronts.
Missiles Rain on Middle East Targets
Earlier in the day, Iran launched a missile attack on Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, the largest U.S. military facility in the Middle East. While no American casualties were reported, the move escalated tensions further. Qatar’s government denounced the attack as “blatant aggression” and threatened a “proportional” response.
Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps confirmed that six ballistic missiles hit the base, describing the response as a “calibrated retaliation” for U.S. participation in Israel’s strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities.
U.S. sources indicated that the base had been evacuated prior to the strike, with the attack involving short- and medium-range ballistic missiles.
“This was calibrated and telegraphed in a way that would not result in any American casualties,” noted Ali Vaez of the International Crisis Group, adding that the strike offered both nations a possible off-ramp from escalation.
According to official figures, over 400 people have died in Iran from Israeli airstrikes targeting nuclear and military sites. Meanwhile, 24 fatalities have been recorded in Israel following retaliatory Iranian attacks.
The conflict began after Israel launched a surprise preemptive strike on June 13, prompting fears of a full-blown regional war. Trump warned at the time of a potential “massive regional conflict” if hostilities were not curtailed.
Global leaders are urging restraint. French President Emmanuel Macron said, “The spiral of chaos must end,” while China expressed concern over the conflict’s economic and geopolitical risks.
Qatar temporarily closed its airspace, and several embassies urged citizens to shelter in place. The U.S. Embassy in Doha was among those on high alert as projectiles were seen flying over central Doha and Lusail.
In central Tehran, state media showed Iranians celebrating what they described as a successful defense, waving flags and chanting “Death to America.”
While Trump’s ceasefire announcement has yet to be confirmed by either party, intensified attacks and contradictory statements from officials suggest that peace remains distant, and the threat of further escalation looms.
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