By Special Correspondent
Published: June 24, 2025
A fragile ceasefire between Iran and Israel, declared just hours ago by U.S. President Donald Trump, is already showing signs of collapse after Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz ordered fresh strikes on Tehran, accusing Iran of violating the truce.
Katz said the Israeli military had been instructed to target Tehran directly, claiming Iran launched missiles into Israeli territory in defiance of the ceasefire terms. This escalation follows a turbulent 12-day conflict that saw both sides exchange heavy bombardments, including Israeli strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities and Iran’s retaliatory missile barrage on a U.S. base in Qatar.
Iran denies firing a missile at Israel after the ceasefire began, state media reports, but Katz vows to “respond forcefully to Iran’s violation of the ceasefire with intense strikes against regime targets in the heart of Tehran”
Iran’s security council warns “any further aggression will be met with a decisive, firm, and timely response” – Tehran earlier said it would respect the ceasefire if Israel did the same.
Earlier today, President Trump had declared a “complete and total ceasefire” between the two nations, praising Qatari mediation efforts and emphasizing that no Americans or Qataris were harmed in the Iranian strikes. “Congratulations world, it’s time for peace!” Trump said on social media, adding, “I think the ceasefire is unlimited. It’s going to go forever.”
Soon after the Trump announcement, Iran, however, responded cautiously. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that no formal ceasefire agreement had been signed, and insisted Iran’s operations would cease only if Israel halted all aggression by 4:00 a.m. Tehran time. Iranian state media framed the ceasefire as something “imposed on Israel” following Iran’s “successful retaliation.”
Despite Iran’s conditional stance, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office confirmed Israel had accepted Trump’s proposal, stating the Israeli military had “achieved all objectives and far beyond.” A statement from Netanyahu’s government said:
Israel also thanked the U.S. for its military and diplomatic support in “eliminating the Iranian nuclear threat,” while warning: “Israel will respond forcefully to any violation of the ceasefire.”
That warning now appears to be in effect. Just before the ceasefire’s scheduled start, Iranian missiles struck southern Israel, killing at least three people and wounding eight, according to Israeli emergency services. Israeli airspace, which had been closed during the missile waves, was reopened Tuesday morning, only to now face renewed military activity.
Meanwhile, in Tehran, the atmosphere remains tense. Iranian authorities maintain that their missile campaign was a “proportional response” to Israeli aggression, specifically attacks on Fordo, Natanz, and Isfahan.
Qatar’s role in facilitating negotiations has been widely acknowledged by both Washington and regional observers. The small Gulf state reportedly brokered talks with Iranian officials that led to the initial ceasefire framework. However, as missiles continue to fly, the credibility of that deal hangs in the balance.
President Trump, speaking Monday night, emphasized his desire for long-term peace:
“Perhaps Iran can now proceed to peace and harmony in the region, and I will enthusiastically encourage Israel to do the same.”
Yet Trump also downplayed Iran’s retaliation as “very weak” and “expected,” noting that 13 of 14 missiles fired at the U.S. base in Qatar were intercepted.
As both sides trade blame for violating the agreement, the world watches anxiously to see whether this is a momentary flare-up or the collapse of a truce before it truly began. (ST)
