Ceasefire in doubt amid fresh Iranian missile strikes
Confusion surrounds the status of a ceasefire between Israel and Iran after reports of continued missile launches early Tuesday. The new strikes cast doubt over a truce declared by US president Donald Trump.
Trump announced the ceasefire on Truth Social, praising both sides for ending what he dubbed “THE 12 DAY WAR”. At 7am Belgian time, he posted: “THE CEASEFIRE IS NOW IN EFFECT. PLEASE DO NOT VIOLATE IT!” The declaration followed talks with Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu and parallel negotiations by US officials with Tehran.
However, hours after the original announcement, Israel’s military issued evacuation alerts for parts of Tehran and explosions were reported in the Iranian capital. Iran also launched several ballistic missiles at Israel, one of which struck a residential building in Be’er Sheva, killing three.
Prior to the ceasefire announcement, tensions had escalated after Iran fired missiles at the US Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar in retaliation for a US bombing campaign targeting Iranian nuclear facilities. Qatar confirmed no casualties and condemned the attack as a breach of its sovereignty.
Despite Trump’s ceasefire claim, Iranian officials have warned of “everlasting consequences” if US or Israeli military action continues. The situation remains volatile with no formal confirmation from Israel or Iran that hostilities have ceased.
A plume of smoke billowing after Israeli strikes in Tehran © ATTA KENARE / AFP