United States President Donald Trump brokered a successful ceasefire between Israel and Iran following almost two weeks of heavy fighting. Within hours of the announcement, however, Iran fired a fresh barrage of missile attacks on Israeli towns, killing four individuals in Beersheba.
President Trump and his senior officials made intense diplomatic efforts during the weekend to halt the growing violence in the Middle East. While Trump called Netanyahu personally, his delegation, headed by Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and special envoy Steve Witkoff, conducted negotiations with Iranian officials.
Trump gave explicit orders, according to a White House official, the official said, “Let’s get on the phone with the Iranians,” quoting. “Get me Bibi. We’re going to make peace.”
Reuters had earlier reported that the US delegation had already held five rounds of talks with Iran before the outbreak of the conflict, although negotiations broke down over Tehran’s demand to continue uranium enrichment. Following the US airstrikes targeting Iran’s nuclear facilities, Washington stepped up diplomatic action to avoid further escalation.
Ceasefire Terms and Immediate Violation
The high-ranking White House official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, added that Israel consented to the ceasefire so long as Iran did not launch new missiles. Concurrently, Iran also signaled that it would suspend attacks, prompting Trump to officially declare the ceasefire in early Tuesday morning (Monday night local time).
Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi also said the ceasefire was confirmed, indicating, “Iranian forces fought till the very end at 4 am on Tuesday.”
Iran Fires Missiles After Ceasefire
While announcing the formal ceasefire, Iran fired six missiles immediately after Trump’s statement. Air raid sirens sounded throughout Israel as civilians took refuge, and several intercepts were reported.
But one missile hit an apartment complex in Beersheba, killing four individuals and wounding several others. Israel’s emergency medical team verified the fatalities, heightening tensions within the region.
The violence following the ceasefire has raised questions as to the strength of the agreement, despite attempts by all parties to claim diplomatic victories. The White House has yet to make a statement in response to the Iranian missile attacks that broke out after the announcement of the truce.