KADUNA— Israel announced on Tuesday that it had agreed to a cease-fire with Iran, ending nearly two weeks of direct confrontation that had raised fears of a wider regional conflict. The agreement, brokered by U.S. President Donald J. Trump with the assistance of Qatari diplomats, comes after 12 days of airstrikes, missile attacks, and rising civilian casualties on both sides.
According to Israeli officials, the truce will unfold in two stages. Iran began with an initial 12-hour pause in hostilities, while Israel has committed to a full cessation within 24 hours, contingent on Iranian compliance.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told reporters in Tel Aviv that Israel had “completed its primary military objectives,” which included targeting Iranian missile sites and disrupting command infrastructure. “Israel has acted with determination and precision,” he said. “If Iran violates this agreement, we will not hesitate to act again — swiftly and decisively.”
The cease-fire comes in the aftermath of a final surge in violence. Early Tuesday, Iranian missiles struck southern Israel, killing at least four people near Beersheba, even as Tehran signaled its intent to honor the ceasefire. Israeli airstrikes continued into the early hours, with reports of multiple Iranian military sites being hit, including near Isfahan and Tehran.
President Trump, speaking at a press conference in Florida, called the agreement a “testament to the power of American leadership.” He thanked Qatar for facilitating indirect talks and said the cease-fire was designed to “stop the bloodshed and create space for long-term stability.” He added, “America does not seek endless wars — we seek smart peace.”
Iran has not publicly signed any formal document, and its officials remain cautious. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi acknowledged the cease-fire in a televised address but warned that any further Israeli aggression would “nullify” the understanding. “This is not a treaty — it is a temporary arrangement that reflects a balance of power,” he said.
The United Nations and several regional governments have welcomed the development, though skepticism remains about how long the calm will hold. The past two weeks marked the most direct confrontation between Iran and Israel in years, drawing in proxy groups across the region and prompting emergency meetings among Gulf leaders.
Casualty figures remain unclear, but early estimates suggest dozens of civilians have been killed and hundreds displaced, particularly in border towns in northern Israel and western Iran.
Analysts describe the cease-fire as fragile. “This is not a comprehensive peace agreement,” said Arwa Fadel, a Middle East security expert based in Amman. “It’s a firebreak, not a resolution.”
On the ground, Israelis expressed cautious relief. “I’ve been sleeping in a shelter for a week,” said Asher Ben-Yosef, a shop owner in Ashkelon. “I want to believe this is over, but history tells us to stay alert.”
In Tehran, state media framed the cease-fire as a diplomatic win for Iran, emphasizing its “restraint and resilience.” However, internet disruptions and tight controls on information have made it difficult to independently verify conditions in affected areas.
As of Tuesday morning, both sides appeared to be observing the cease-fire, though military aircraft were still visible over parts of northern Israel. Whether the calm holds or collapses remains to be seen.
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