Iran and Israel Announce Ceasefire After 12 Days of Intense Conflict
Iran and Israel have agreed to a ceasefire, bringing a temporary halt to 12 days of escalating conflict that saw extensive airstrikes and missile attacks. The agreement, brokered by US President Donald Trump, was confirmed by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday, June 24, 2025.
The ceasefire comes after a period of sharp escalation. The United States initiated bombings on Iran’s nuclear sites, prompting Iran to retaliate with attacks on a US base in Qatar and, subsequently, the Ain al-Assad airbase in Iraq. Just prior to the ceasefire deadline, Tehran launched six waves of missiles.
Despite the halt in Israeli strikes on Tehran, the situation remains highly fragile, with both nations vowing retaliation if attacked again. In Israel, opposition parties have called for the truce to be extended to fully end the 20-month conflict with Hamas in Gaza, while hardliners have criticized the deal, insisting on the complete defeat of Iran.
Meanwhile, the UN nuclear watchdog continues its efforts to gain access to Iran’s nuclear facilities. This comes amidst reports that Iran moved its enriched uranium stockpile ahead of the US strikes. Iranian officials have stated they are currently assessing the damage to their nuclear program and are making plans for its restoration.
Prior to the announcement of the ceasefire, Iranian military hit U.S. bases in Qatar and Iraq, further deepening fears of a wider conflict across the Middle East. The Ain al-Assad airbase, a key location for American forces in Iraq, has been targeted previously, notably in 2020 when Iran fired missiles in response to the US killing of Qassem Soleimani, a prominent Iranian commander at the time.
