Israel and Iran have reached a ceasefire after a 12-day conflict. The announcement came from former U.S. President Donald Trump on social media, catching both nations off guard. It took several hours for the ceasefire to be confirmed.
The sudden end to the war has left many questions unanswered. Analysts are now trying to determine the damage caused by American bombs to Iran’s nuclear program. This was a key issue that led to the conflict.
The assessments vary widely, showing how hard it is to measure the true impact during a war. Much of what happens next depends on the actions of Iran’s supreme leader and the unpredictable nature of American policy. If the ceasefire does not hold, there is a fear that Iran could quickly speed up its nuclear ambitions.
This could lead to a frantic rush to build nuclear weapons. In the broader context of global tensions, this conflict and its resolution are similar to lessons from other recent wars, such as the one in Ukraine. The ability of the West to re-arm without the need for extensive re-industrialization highlights changing strategies in modern warfare.
As the situation calms down from this short but intense conflict, the world is watching closely. The long-term consequences and the stability of this fragile peace remain uncertain.
israel-iran ceasefire raises global questions
On the same day as the ceasefire announcement, hundreds of thousands of mourners gathered in Tehran for state funerals. They were honoring individuals reportedly killed during the conflict with Israel, including nuclear scientists and civilians. Iranian state news aired an interview with Ali Shamkhani, a close aide to Iran’s supreme leader.
He had been reported dead by multiple outlets following Israeli strikes on June 13. In the interview, Shamkhani appeared with a walking stick and breathing aid. He described being trapped under rubble for several hours after the attack.
Meanwhile, Israeli anti-war demonstrators gathered on Saturday to call for a ceasefire in Gaza and the return of Israeli hostages. Protestors, including the families of the hostages, urged Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to take advantage of what they called a “historic window of opportunity” to secure the hostages’ release. Tens of thousands of protesters packed Hostages Square in Tel Aviv, appealing for an end to the Gaza war and the hostages’ return.
Signs pleaded for U.S. President Donald Trump to intervene. Protests also spread to other parts of Israel, with demonstrators calling for Netanyahu’s resignation and an end to the conflict. The ceasefire with Iran has increased calls for a similar truce between Israel and Hamas.
Israeli lawmaker Yair Golan spoke at a protest, stating, “The hostages are not bargaining chips. They are our brothers and sisters.” He criticized Netanyahu, arguing that the ongoing war in Gaza only serves the coalition’s interests.
