In a significant development that could ease tensions in the volatile Middle East, Israel and Iran have reportedly reached an agreement to cease hostilities following nearly two weeks of intense missile strikes and counterattacks.

The ceasefire deal came after 12 days marked by repeated air raids, including a dramatic last-minute missile salvo launched by Tehran. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed on Tuesday morning that his government accepted a ceasefire proposal brokered by US President Donald Trump.

Iranian state media also announced that the ceasefire had taken effect, signaling a pause in the escalating conflict that had threatened regional stability. President Trump took to social media early Tuesday, declaring: “The ceasefire is now in effect. Please do not violate it!”

While Netanyahu issued a stern warning that Israel would respond strongly to any breaches, the truce offers a hopeful respite after days of sharp escalation, including US airstrikes targeting Iranian nuclear sites and Iran retaliating with attacks on a US military base in Qatar.

“In coordination with President Trump, Israel has agreed to a bilateral ceasefire after achieving the objectives of our operation,” Netanyahu stated.

The ceasefire appeared fragile in the early hours, with reports indicating that Iran launched six waves of missiles shortly before the truce deadline set at 07:30 GMT. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi acknowledged the timing, noting on social media that the armed forces continued their military actions “until the very last minute” to punish Israel.

Israeli emergency services confirmed casualties from the attacks, but following the ceasefire announcement, residents were allowed to leave shelters as missile launches ceased.

Reporting from Tehran, Al Jazeera correspondent Tohid Asadi described the sudden calm as “a promising sign” but cautioned that both nations remain on high alert, ready to respond if fighting resumes.

Israel’s opposition leaders welcomed the ceasefire but urged the government to extend peace efforts to Gaza, where a 20-month conflict with Hamas continues.

“And now Gaza. It’s time to finish it there too. Bring back the hostages, end the war,” opposition leader Yair Lapid said on social media.

However, some hardline voices criticized the ceasefire, warning that Iran remains a serious threat. Dan Illouz of Netanyahu’s Likud party called the Iranian regime a foe that “must be defeated,” not negotiated with, warning it would continue to find new ways to challenge Israel if left unchecked.

The confrontation began on June 13, when Israel launched attacks citing concerns over Iran’s advancing nuclear program. President Trump echoed these fears ahead of US airstrikes targeting Iran’s Fordow, Isfahan, and Natanz nuclear facilities on Saturday.

Meanwhile, the UN’s International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has demanded access to Iranian nuclear sites to verify the status of enriched uranium stocks. There are reports that Iran may have relocated some nuclear materials in anticipation of the strikes.

Mohammad Eslami, head of Iran’s Atomic Energy Organization, told Reuters on Tuesday that Tehran is assessing the damage to its nuclear infrastructure and has made plans for restoration. “Our goal is to ensure uninterrupted production and services,” he said.


By WafricNews Desk.