What's happened
A ceasefire between Israel and Iran, brokered by President Trump, began on June 24, 2025, but was quickly tested by missile launches. While both sides initially agreed to halt hostilities, tensions remain high, with calls for broader peace efforts in the region, particularly regarding Gaza and Iran's nuclear program.
What's behind the headline?
Key Insights
- Fragility of the Ceasefire: The ceasefire is precarious, with both sides having already violated it shortly after its announcement. Iran's missile launches and Israel's threats of retaliation highlight the ongoing volatility.
- Regional Implications: Countries like Jordan and Egypt have welcomed the ceasefire but emphasize the need for a broader diplomatic resolution, particularly concerning the Palestinian statehood issue.
- Internal Divisions in Iran: The Iranian regime's response to the ceasefire indicates potential internal divisions, as hardliners may disregard diplomatic agreements, complicating future negotiations.
- US Influence: President Trump's role in brokering the ceasefire underscores the significant influence of the US in Middle Eastern geopolitics, but also raises questions about the sustainability of such agreements without comprehensive peace talks.
- Future Outlook: The situation remains tense, with both sides poised for further military action if provoked. The international community's response will be crucial in shaping the next steps toward lasting peace.
What the papers say
According to Al Jazeera, Prime Minister Netanyahu confirmed Israel's acceptance of the ceasefire, stating, "The ceasefire is now in effect. Please do not violate it!" However, The Times of Israel reported that Iran launched missiles shortly after the ceasefire began, prompting Israel to threaten a forceful response. The South China Morning Post highlighted the fragility of the truce, noting that hardliners in Iran might disregard the agreement, as Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni remarked on the potential for further conflict. This divergence in perspectives illustrates the complexities surrounding the ceasefire and the broader geopolitical landscape.
How we got here
The ceasefire follows escalating tensions after the US bombed Iranian nuclear facilities, prompting Iran to retaliate with missile strikes. The conflict intensified after the October 7, 2023, Hamas-led invasion of southern Israel, leading to ongoing military actions.
Go deeper
- What are the implications of this ceasefire?
- How are regional countries reacting to the truce?
- What might happen next in this conflict?
More on these topics
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Donald John Trump is an American politician, media personality, and businessman who served as the 45th president of the United States from 2017 to 2021.
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Iran, also called Persia, and officially the Islamic Republic of Iran, is a country in Western Asia. It is bordered to the northwest by Armenia and Azerbaijan, to the north by the Caspian Sea, to the northeast by Turkmenistan, to the east by Afghanistan a
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Israel, formally known as the State of Israel, is a country in Western Asia, located on the southeastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea and the northern shore of the Red Sea.