Iran-Israel Ceasefire: What We Know

A US-brokered ceasefire between Iran and Israel has been announced, ostensibly ending 12 days of intense conflict. US President Donald Trump, using uncharacteristically strong language, admonished both nations to adhere to the truce and refrain from further hostilities.

However, the ceasefire's efficacy remains in question. Mere hours after its implementation, Israel accused Iran of violating the agreement by launching missiles towards Israeli territory. Iran vehemently denied these allegations, while its Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps claimed to have struck 'military and logistical centres' in Israel just before the ceasefire took effect.

The conflict's origins lie in Israel's initial strikes on Iranian nuclear and military sites, justified by claims that Iran was on the brink of developing nuclear weapons. Iran maintains that its nuclear program is solely for peaceful purposes. The situation escalated when the US joined Israel in targeting Iranian facilities, including the use of 'bunker buster' bombs on a nuclear enrichment site.

Despite the ceasefire, both nations remain on high alert. Israel has vowed to respond with 'powerful strikes' to any perceived violations, while Iran's Supreme National Security Council has promised a 'decisive, firm, and timely response' to further Israeli aggression.