The Iran-Israel ceasefire that ended a 12-day, dramatic war has brought relief to the world as it prepared for a larger conflict. The Middle East battle had sparked global war fears, particularly after the United States bombed three Iranian nuclear facilities in Operation Midnight Hammer.
Even during the ceasefire declaration, Iranian missiles hit Israeli cities, which seemed a last demonstration of defiance. The US, Israel, and Iran are now all selling their own stories of victory, each side asserting a strategic victory in the war.
US Grabs Narrative with Airstrikes and Diplomacy
The United States underwent a dramatic shift in its position throughout the war. Whereas it at first demanded diplomacy, it changed direction when it sent in B-2 bombers to destroy three nuclear facilities in Iran, just two days after stating that it would take weeks to commit to involvement.
President Donald Trump defended the action by terming Iran the “bully of the Middle East” and threatening “far greater and a lot easier” attacks if peace did not ensue. “Iran’s nuclear facilities were completely obliterated,” Trump asserted, even though US officials explained that the installations had “extremely severe damage.”
Despite this belligerent approach, Washington did not pursue further escalation when Iran lashed back by attacking the US Al Udeid air base in Qatar. Interestingly, Iran had provided a pre-strike notice, forcing Qatar to shut down its airspace and the US to evacuate staff. This enabled Trump to desist from further retaliation.
I am happy to announce that NO Americans were injured, and scarcely any damage was inflicted. Most of all, they’ve expelled it all from their ‘system,’ and there will hopefully be no more hate,” Trump wrote, thanking Iran in advance. The US showcased its military power, suffered no casualties, and emerged as a peacemaker—a strategic victory on all sides.
Israel Establishes Air Superiority and Gains Diplomatic Ground
A week before the US attacks, Israel had secured air superiority by making precision strikes against Iranian military and nuclear facilities. The Israeli Air Force took out significant personnel in the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), such as Brigadier General Ali Shadmani, Brigadier General Mohammad Kazemi, and Brigadier General Hassan Mohaqe. These successful operations gave Israel an upper hand in the perception war.
Israel’s biggest diplomatic achievement happened when the US decided to get involved. The US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, had initially labeled Israel’s operation as “unilateral” and rejected any US role. However, President Trump subsequently changed the policy and said that the US and Israel are together.
This move was important, as it presented a robust US-Israeli alliance to the globe and solidified Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s political fortunes before elections in a year. For Israel, the entry of the US into the war boosted its military and political standing.
Strategic Response of Iran Preserves National Pride
Iran had an uphill task after US airstrikes critically crippled its nuclear facilities. Still, it pulled off a measured response by targeting the US Al Udeid air base in Qatar—a symbolic attack aimed at the command center of Operation Midnight Hammer.
Notably, Iran gave a pre-strike warning, enabling the US to prepare and avoid casualties. The action was a demonstration of restraint while asserting resolve. “Iran has officially reacted to our Obliteration of their Nuclear Facilities with a very feeble reply, which we anticipated, and have very effectively replied,” Trump stated, thanking Tehran once more for the warning.
The limited reprisal permitted Iran to withdraw from the war without seeming to be weak. The ongoing Iranian missile bombardments of Israeli cities until just before the ceasefire allowed it to carry on the reputation of resistance. It launched missiles, did not cause the deaths of Iranians, and remained able to say that it had resisted two strong foes.
A Fragile Peace, Lingering Questions
While the ceasefire has settled international tensions, it is on shaky ground. The US claims that Iranian nuclear power has taken a heavy hit, but Iran says that there has been no serious damage. Western spy agencies remain unclear about the present status of Iran’s uranium cache, leaving them apprehensive of revived nuclear ambitions.
The short war has arguably made Iran more determined to expand its nuclear program. In the meantime, everyone has gone back to domestic constituencies announcing triumph, employing state-owned media to reinforce their positions.
The world waits now for diplomatic solutions to establish lasting peace. It remains unclear whether this interim ceasefire will lead to lasting dialogue or fuel continued tensions.