Middle East Tensions: Iran-Israel ceasefire holds after early breaches as Trump blasts both sides

Iran-Israel Conflict: A tentative ceasefire between Iran and Israel appeared to be holding on Tuesday, despite early breaches by both sides that raised concerns over its durability. US President Donald Trump voiced his frustration, describing the long-running conflict as “pointless”.

This came even as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claimed that Iran’s nuclear programme had been “brought to ruin”. However, a fresh assessment by the US Defence Intelligence Agency, seen by the Associated Press, suggested the strikes had only set Iran’s capabilities back by a few months.

US intelligence contradicts Trump

The report, disclosed by two officials familiar with the assessment, directly contradicts Trump’s statement that the Iranian nuclear programme was “completely and fully obliterated.” The White House rejected the intelligence finding, calling it “flat-out wrong”.

Hours into the truce, tensions resurfaced as Israel accused Iran of launching missiles into its airspace. Iran denied the allegations, although explosions were heard across northern Israel and the Israeli military reported intercepting two incoming missiles.

Also Read:Israel-Iran ceasefire takes effect after 12-day conflict; Trump urges both sides to honour truce 

Trump criticises Israel, then declares ceasefire saved

Speaking to reporters before heading to a NATO summit, Trump said both Iran and Israel had violated the ceasefire. He directed particularly strong remarks at Israel, traditionally a close US ally, while suggesting Iran’s fire could have been accidental.

Later, he claimed the ceasefire had been restored, writing on Truth Social: “ISRAEL is not going to attack Iran. All planes will turn around and head home, while doing a friendly ‘Plane Wave’ to Iran. Nobody will be hurt, the Ceasefire is in effect!”

Netanyahu holds back; Iran speaks at UN

According to Netanyahu’s office, the Israeli leader refrained from further escalation after a call with Trump. Iran’s ambassador to the United Nations, Amir Saeid Iravani, told the Security Council that Iran had emerged “proud and steadfast” and reaffirmed the importance of diplomacy.

“This proves one simple truth more clearly than ever: diplomacy and dialogue are the only path to resolving the unnecessary crisis over Iran’s peaceful programme,” Iravani said. The 12-day confrontation began when Israel struck Iranian nuclear and military targets, claiming it had to prevent Iran from developing atomic weapons. Iran has repeatedly insisted its programme is peaceful.

After the United States dropped bunker-buster bombs on Iranian facilities, Trump urged Netanyahu to pursue a diplomatic route, warning that there would be no further American strikes.

Also Read:Has Israel-Iran war ended (for now)? After Donald Trump announces ceasefire, Iran reportedly fires missiles  

Retaliation and truce

Iran responded with a limited missile strike on a US military base in Qatar, reportedly issuing a prior warning. No casualties were reported. Trump subsequently announced a ceasefire, stating the threat had been “removed”.

The White House has since confirmed that early-stage discussions are underway regarding Iran’s nuclear programme. Trump’s envoy Steve Witkoff described the talks, some direct and some via intermediaries, as “promising”.

Ceasefire breached again?

Israeli defence officials claimed that Iran fired two missiles following the ceasefire announcement, both of which were intercepted. Iran denied the claim but condemned renewed Israeli airstrikes, including one that reportedly killed senior nuclear scientist Mohammad Reza Sedighi Saber in northern Iran.

Despite the denial, Iranian state TV confirmed Saber’s death and called the attack a breach of international law.

Netanyahu claims victory; Trump walks back regime talk

In a televised statement, Netanyahu said Israel had achieved its goals, including killing senior generals and scientists and destroying key nuclear sites at Natanz, Isfahan and the Arak heavy water reactor. He thanked Trump for his support.

Trump, who had floated the idea of regime change just two days earlier, appeared to backpedal on Tuesday. “Regime change takes chaos and, ideally, we don’t want to see much chaos,” he told reporters on Air Force One. According to US-based Human Rights Activists, Israeli airstrikes have killed at least 974 people in Iran, including 387 civilians and 268 security personnel, while injuring 3,458 others.

In Israel, officials report 28 deaths and over 1,000 injured. Monday’s missile attack on Beersheba damaged multiple residential buildings, killing four and injuring dozens. Some were hurt even inside reinforced shelters that are not designed to withstand ballistic missile strikes.

Americans evacuated, tension in Iraq

The US has evacuated around 250 American citizens and their immediate family members from Israel via military and charter flights. However, some 700,000 Americans, many with dual nationality, are still believed to be in Israel.

US military forces also intercepted drones targeting bases in western Iraq and near Baghdad airport. No casualties were reported. While no group claimed responsibility, Iran-backed militias had earlier threatened retaliation.

Strait of Hormuz and China’s warning

The possibility of Iran closing the Strait of Hormuz, through which a fifth of global oil passes, sparked international concern. China, Iran’s largest oil customer, condemned the US strikes and warned against a “spiral of escalations.”

Trump responded by assuring that Iranian oil would continue to flow. “China could keep purchasing crude from Iran,” he wrote on social media, signalling a de-escalation.

(With inputs from AP)