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Iran Questions Israel's Commitment to Ceasefire amid Rising Tensions

Monday 30 June 2025 - 09:32

By: Zahouani Ilham

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Iran has expressed significant concerns regarding Israel’s intentions to uphold the ceasefire that began on June 24, following nearly two weeks of intense military conflict between the two long-standing adversaries.

In parallel, Tehran found itself denying any threat against Rafael Grossi, the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), after an Iranian newspaper stated he would be “executed” if he returned to Iran a claim that triggered widespread condemnation from Western countries.

The conflict was ignited on June 13, when Israel launched a series of airstrikes targeting Iranian territory, killing top military officials and nuclear scientists. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu justified the operation as a preventive measure against Iran acquiring nuclear weapons, a claim Tehran denies, asserting its nuclear program is for civilian energy use.

At the time of the attack, Iran had been engaged in negotiations with the United States. The Iranian military responded forcefully, according to Chief of Staff Abdolrahim Moussavi, who reiterated Tehran’s defensive stance.

After nearly two weeks of reciprocal attacks, a ceasefire was imposed with pressure from U.S. President Donald Trump. However, in a phone call with Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khaled bin Salman, Moussavi warned that Iran remained skeptical about Israel’s commitment to the truce and was prepared to retaliate strongly if necessary.

The United States, backing its ally Israel, also joined the conflict by bombing three Iranian nuclear facilities on the night of June 21–22.

In response, Iran sent a formal letter to the United Nations, urging the Security Council to hold both Israel and the U.S. accountable for initiating the conflict. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi called for recognition of their responsibility and demanded reparations.

Trump, meanwhile, warned that the U.S. would not hesitate to launch further strikes should Iran enrich uranium to weapons-grade levels. According to the IAEA, Iran is currently enriching uranium up to 60% far beyond the 3.67% limit set by the 2015 nuclear deal, which Trump abandoned in 2018. Nuclear weapons require enrichment levels of 90%.

Tensions escalated further when Iran dismissed a request by the IAEA to re-inspect bombed nuclear sites, accusing Rafael Grossi of harboring hostile motives. An Iranian conservative newspaper went so far as to label him a spy, inciting international backlash.

German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul, a supporter of Israel, condemned the threats, joined by Argentina’s foreign ministry and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Iranian Ambassador Amir Saeid Iravani later denied that Grossi or his team faced any threats, assuring their safety.

During the conflict, Iran reported arresting dozens of alleged Israeli spies and confiscating drones and weaponry. Its parliament also passed a law banning unauthorized communication technologies, including satellite internet provided by Elon Musk's Starlink.

Israel targeted civilian infrastructure, including a June 23 airstrike on Tehran’s Evin prison that killed 71 people, according to Iran’s judiciary. The high-security prison houses political dissidents and foreign detainees, including French nationals Cécile Kohler and Jacques Paris, who were reportedly unharmed.

Iran's Health Ministry reported 627 deaths and nearly 4,900 injuries on its side, while Israel counted 28 deaths due to Iranian missile strikes.

According to U.S. envoy Tom Barrack, the conflict may open a new path for diplomatic resolutions in Gaza and with countries like Lebanon and Syria.