Ceasefire between Israel and Iran uncertain as attacks persist

Despite U.S. President Donald Trump's declaration that Israel and Iran had agreed to a "complete and total ceasefire," the truce remained uncertain as hostilities continued into Tuesday. His announcement followed a retaliatory missile strike by Iran on a U.S. military base in Qatar, a response to American airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities.

Iran’s Foreign Minister indicated that Iran would cease attacks if Israel halted its strikes by 4 a.m. Tehran time. Yet, shortly after the deadline, Israeli warning systems were activated due to missile launches from Iran. One interception was witnessed above Jerusalem, with several more alerts issued as daylight approached. Images from Israel’s emergency services showed severe damage to a residential building in southern Israel.

The timeline and implementation of the ceasefire remained unclear. Trump's message, posted online, noted the ceasefire would officially begin at midnight Eastern time Tuesday, marking the end of what he labeled the “12 Day War.” However, Israeli authorities had not publicly confirmed the agreement. Although Israeli strikes reportedly ceased after 4 a.m., intense bombardments continued across Tehran until just before that hour.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated no formal agreement was reached and emphasized that military responses would end only if Israeli aggression stopped. His post came after the 4 a.m. deadline, suggesting that final decisions on halting operations were still under consideration. Israel’s military and the Prime Minister's office declined to comment on Trump's statement.

President Trump likened the recent conflict to the “Six Day War” of 1967, which remains a significant historical reference, especially for Palestinians and neighboring Arab nations. In that war, Israel occupied several territories that continue to shape geopolitical tensions today.

According to a senior U.S. official, Trump personally contacted Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to negotiate the ceasefire. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and envoy Steve Witkoff reportedly engaged with Iranian officials through direct and indirect channels. The Qatari government also played a role in mediating the ceasefire.

Iran’s missile strike on a U.S. base in Qatar on Monday appeared calculated to reduce casualties. Trump said Iran warned the U.S. in advance, resulting in no injuries. Qatar condemned the attack as a breach of its sovereignty but claimed it intercepted most of the missiles. Iranian officials said the strike was proportional to U.S. bombings of Iranian nuclear facilities and was aimed at a non-populated area.

The airbase targeted, Al Udeid, is home to key U.S. military operations in the region. While Trump cited 14 missiles fired 13 intercepted and one allowed to fall harmlessly Qatari officials counted 19 missiles.

Iranian state TV described the attack as a powerful retaliation against U.S. aggression. An earlier alert about a strike on an American base in Iraq turned out to be triggered by debris from a malfunctioning Iranian missile.

By Tuesday morning, Qatar Airways resumed operations after temporarily halting flights due to the airspace closure. Civilian aircraft were again visible over Qatari airspace, indicating diminished threat levels.

Simultaneously, Iran and Israel exchanged further attacks. Iran launched drones and missiles, while Israel hit what it described as “regime targets” in central Tehran, including the headquarters of a unit involved in protest crackdowns and part of Evin prison, notorious for detaining political prisoners.

Footage from Iranian state media showed Evin prison under control, though rights groups warned families were increasingly concerned about inmates’ wellbeing. Israeli forces also targeted roads around Iran’s Fordo nuclear facility, one of the U.S. airstrike targets over the weekend.

In Vienna, the head of the UN nuclear watchdog suggested the Fordo site suffered serious damage. Iranian officials, however, claimed to have removed sensitive materials before the attacks.

While Israel insists it does not seek regime change, Trump floated the possibility, questioning whether a new government might better serve Iran’s interests. His comments came after U.S. stealth bombers struck Iranian nuclear sites, deepening America’s involvement in the conflict.

Before Trump’s ceasefire announcement, an Israeli official hinted that Israel hoped to deescalate soon, but emphasized that the final decision rested with Iran. Israel prefers a ceasefire that leads to renewed nuclear negotiations but is prepared for a protracted low-level conflict if necessary.

The violence has exacted a heavy toll. In Israel, at least 24 people have been killed and over 1,000 injured. In Iran, strikes have claimed at least 974 lives and injured 3,458, according to Human Rights Activists, a U.S.-based group. Among the dead were 387 civilians and 268 members of the security forces.

The U.S. has evacuated around 250 American citizens and their families from Israel since the weekend. An estimated 700,000 Americans, most with dual nationality, remain in the country.