Iran Claims No Missile Launches Post-Ceasefire, While Israel Reports Continued Airstrikes

As the delicate ceasefire between Israel and Iran holds on Wednesday, the geopolitical landscape remains tense and unpredictable. The United States has announced it will proceed with negotiations over Iran’s nuclear program, signaling a potential shift towards diplomacy after weeks of escalating hostilities.

A Brief Pause in the Storm

The ceasefire, announced amidst fears of a broader regional conflict, was welcomed with cautious optimism. However, recent events suggest that the truce may be more fragile than it appears. Explosions have been reported in Tehran, with Israel claiming to have intercepted drones likely launched from Iran. This has raised concerns that the underlying tensions remain unresolved, threatening to reignite hostilities.

Trump’s Call for Restraint

Former US President Donald Trump weighed in on the situation, urging Israel to halt its bombing campaign against Iran. In a stark warning, Trump described any further military action as a “major violation” of the ceasefire he had just declared. While expressing confidence that the truce would hold, Trump also acknowledged breaches by both sides, citing Iran’s missile attacks on a US air base in Qatar as retaliation for American strikes.

Diplomatic Conversations and Military Movements

In the diplomatic arena, Trump reportedly held a phone call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. During this conversation, Netanyahu conveyed that he “was unable to cancel the attack,” emphasizing the need to respond to Iran’s alleged violations. According to reports, Israel’s response would be limited to targeting a single site rather than multiple locations, aiming to avoid further escalation.

Meanwhile, Iran’s Revolutionary Guards confirmed launching a missile barrage against Israel just minutes before the ceasefire took effect. A statement from Tasnim news agency revealed that “14 missiles were launched against military centres across Israel,” with Iran promising to continue monitoring “enemy movements with open and vigilant eyes.” Iran denied launching any missiles after the ceasefire began, accusing Israel of continuing airstrikes beyond the agreed time window.

Latest Developments and Regional Reactions

The aftermath of the ceasefire has been marked by conflicting claims and ongoing military activity. Trump’s overnight announcement aimed to de-escalate the 12-day conflict, which saw Israel and the US strike Iran’s nuclear sites, prompting Tehran to retaliate with missile attacks.

Israel’s accusation of Iranian missile launches was met with denial from Tehran, which insisted it had not engaged in any hostilities post-ceasefire. Conversely, Iran claimed Israeli airstrikes persisted for 90 minutes beyond the ceasefire’s start, raising questions about the stability of the agreement.

Despite these tensions, there is a general sense of relief across the region and internationally. Many see the ceasefire as a critical step toward de-escalation after a tumultuous period sparked by Israel’s surprise offensive and intensified by recent US strikes.

Looking Ahead

As diplomatic efforts continue and the US prepares to negotiate Iran’s nuclear program, the region remains on edge. The fragile ceasefire offers a glimmer of hope, but the conflicting narratives and ongoing military activities underscore the volatility of the situation. The coming days will be crucial in determining whether peace can be sustained or if the cycle of violence will reignite.