A fragile ceasefire is holding between Israel and Iran, brokered by US President Donald Trump, after a 12-day war that involved airstrikes and missile barrages. Both sides claim victory, with Israel stating the attack removed the nuclear threat against it, while Iran says it successfully ended the war. Trump’s Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, says peace talks between the US and Iran are “promising” and a long-term peace agreement could be achievable.
Both Israel and Iran have accepted the ceasefire, but accuse each other of violating it. Trump scolded both sides, particularly Israel, telling it to “calm down now”.
Iranian authorities report 610 deaths and 4,746 injuries from Israeli strikes. Israel reported 28 deaths from Iran’s retaliatory bombardment.
Trump’s claim that US stealth bombers “obliterated” Iran’s nuclear program is disputed by an intelligence report, suggesting the program was only set back by a month or two.
Israel’s military will refocus on its war against Iran-backed Hamas militants in Gaza, while Iran’s airspace will be reopened.
The situation remains tense, with the ceasefire’s stability being closely watched
