Israel Pauses Military Action Following Trump-Netanyahu Discussion
In a significant move following 12 days of escalating conflict, Israel has announced a halt to further strikes on Iran. This decision came shortly after a phone conversation between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and U.S. President Donald Trump.
Ceasefire Tensions and Accusations
Despite the ceasefire brokered by President Trump, the situation had been tense. Earlier on Tuesday, Israel accused Iran of breaching the ceasefire agreement, prompting Defence Minister Israel Katz to declare that Israel would respond swiftly and decisively to any violation.
In response to earlier aggression, Israeli forces targeted a radar installation near Tehran as retaliation. However, Iranian officials have denied any involvement in the missile strikes aimed at Israel.
Trump's Reaction and Regional Statements
President Trump voiced his dissatisfaction with Israel’s immediate military actions following the ceasefire, stating on his social media platform that he did not approve of Israel "unloading" right after agreeing to the truce. He also emphasized that he was unhappy with Iran’s actions as well.
Meanwhile, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian affirmed Iran’s commitment to maintaining the ceasefire, stating, "If the Zionist regime does not violate the ceasefire, Iran will not violate it either." This statement was made during a phone call with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.
Heavy Strikes Before Ceasefire Took Effect
Before the ceasefire officially began, Israel launched around 100 munitions targeting various sites in Tehran. The ongoing conflict has resulted in at least 28 fatalities and over 1,300 injured in Israel.
Iranian state media also reported that a prominent nuclear scientist, Mohammad Reza Sedighi Saber, was killed in an Israeli strike early Tuesday, escalating tensions further.
The Road Ahead
President Trump previously announced a "complete and total ceasefire" between Iran and Israel, with a 24-hour phased implementation after which he declared, "the war will be considered ENDED!" The recent announcement from Israel to refrain from further strikes aligns with this declaration but highlights the fragility and volatility that still linger in the region.
As both sides monitor adherence to the ceasefire, the international community watches closely, hopeful for a peaceful resolution but wary of renewed hostilities.
