Israel officially accepted a ceasefire with Iran after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that Israeli forces had achieved all their military objectives. Following 12 days of conflict, Netanyahu declared that Israel had eliminated both nuclear and ballistic threats from Iran, framing the ceasefire as a major strategic victory.
Israel Says Military Goals Achieved
During a cabinet meeting, Netanyahu informed his ministers that Operation “Rising Lion” had successfully neutralised what he called the “immediate dual existential threat” posed by Iran. “Israel has achieved all the goals of the operation and more,” the government statement read. Netanyahu warned that any violation of the ceasefire would trigger a “forceful” response from Israel.
Rising Lion,’ and even more.
Israel has removed a dual immediate existential threat—both in the nuclear field and in the realm of ballistic missiles.
Additionally, the IDF has achieved complete air control over the skies of Tehran, inflicted severe damage on military
— Reign (@iOGOTC) June 24, 2025
The Israeli government also thanked President Trump for brokering the agreement and for US support in addressing Iran’s nuclear threat. Meanwhile, Iran’s position fluctuated. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi initially denied any ceasefire agreement, writing on social media, “There is currently no agreement on a ceasefire or halt to military operations.”
However, he added that Iran would halt retaliatory actions if Israel stopped its attacks by 4 am Tehran time.
US Airstrikes Fuel Tensions
The ceasefire came shortly after the United States conducted airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities in Isfahan, Natanz, and Fordow. President Trump claimed the strikes inflicted significant underground damage, although US officials continued assessing the extent. Satellite images suggested that Iran may have sealed tunnel entrances before the attacks.
Russia condemned the US strikes, with President Vladimir Putin labelling them “unprovoked aggression” and promising full support for Iran. During a meeting with Araghchi in Moscow, Putin reaffirmed Russia’s backing as tensions escalated.
At the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation summit, Araghchi has condemned the US for crossing a critical red line and vowed Iran would respond decisively to any future aggression. He dismissed any prospects of renewed negotiations and has accused Washington of favouring coercion over diplomacy.
