U.S. President Donald Trump announced that a ceasefire had now begun between Iran and Israel and he called for it to be respected after a deadly Iranian missile strike on Israel raised doubts whether it would be effective.
“THE CEASEFIRE IS NOW IN EFFECT. PLEASE DO NOT VIOLATE IT! DONALD J. TRUMP, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES!,” he posted in all caps on Truth Social.
Newsweek contacted Iranian and Israeli authorities for comment.
Leo Correa/AP Photo
Why It Matters
The ceasefire could stop the further escalation of a conflict in the Middle East between Israel and Iran that threatens to drag in the rest of the region and potentially other global powers after the United States joined strikes on Iran’s nuclear program.
What To Know
Iran fired barrages of missiles towards Israel around the time that Trump had announced a ceasefire was due to take effect, according to Iranian and Israeli media.
“The military operations of our powerful Armed Forces to punish Israel for its aggression continued until the very last minute, at 4am,” Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi posted on X.
Israeli media said that at least four people had been killed by a direct missile strike on a residential block in Beer Sheva and others were buried in the rubble.
“Firing from Iran even after Trump’s ceasefire began,” wrote Israel’s ynet website.
The ceasefire agreement was announced by Trump more than a week after Israel launched attacks on Iran’s nuclear program and military establishment for which Iran had retaliated with barrages of ballistic missiles and drones against Israel.
The United States joined Israel in the war at the weekend with strikes on three Iranian nuclear sites, prompting Iran to retaliate by firing missiles against a U.S. base in Qatar on Monday, causing no casualties according to U.S. and Qatari officials.
What People Are Saying
President Donald Trump: “Israel & Iran came to me, almost simultaneously, and said, “PEACE!” I knew the time was NOW. The World, and the Middle East, are the real WINNERS! Both Nations will see tremendous LOVE, PEACE, AND PROSPERITY in their futures. They have so much to gain, and yet, so much to lose if they stray from the road of RIGHTEOUSNESS & TRUTH. The future for Israel & Iran is UNLIMITED, & filled with great PROMISE. GOD BLESS YOU BOTH!”
Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi: “Together with all Iranians, I thank our brave Armed Forces who remain ready to defend our dear country until their last drop of blood, and who responded to any attack by the enemy until the very last minute.”
Former Israeli government spokesman Eylon Levy on X: “President @realDonaldTrump, the Iranians are playing you for a fool. The ceasefire you announced has come into effect and they’re still firing missiles at Israeli homes. The regime is disrespecting you. It’s disrespecting America.”
What Happens Next
It remains to be seen whether Israel will react to the deadly strike. The coming hours will likely tell whether the ceasefire has taken hold. If so, it could allow the potential resumption of talks between the United States and Iran over a nuclear program Iran says has only civilian intent, but which the United States alleges is aimed at building nuclear weapons. Securing a broader peace in the Middle East and its numerous conflicts faces many other challenges.