President Donald Trump on Monday announced that Israel and Iran have agreed to a “complete and total ceasefire” following days of escalating hostilities. However, neither Israel nor Iran has confirmed the agreement.
The announcement comes in the wake of a dramatic exchange of military actions that raised fears of a broader regional conflict. On Saturday, the United States launched major strikes against three Iranian nuclear facilities, prompting Tehran to retaliate with a missile barrage targeting the US-run Al Udeid airbase in Qatar.
According to President Trump, the Iranian response resulted in no casualties, and he described the attack as “very weak.” He also thanked Iran for providing “early notice” of the strikes. Qatar confirmed that all incoming missiles aimed at the Al Udeid base were intercepted, condemning the attack as a “flagrant violation.”
“This was clearly a calculated and choreographed response by Iran,” noted BBC Security Correspondent Frank Gardner. “The ball is now in President Trump’s court.”
The Iranian missile attack was seen as a direct response to the US bombardment of its nuclear facilities, which was in turn triggered by reports of accelerated nuclear activity within the Islamic Republic.
Meanwhile, Israel has claimed responsibility for a series of intensified operations against Iranian targets, describing its actions as being carried out with “unprecedented force.” These included strikes on access routes to Iran’s heavily fortified Fordo nuclear site and Evin prison. (BBC News)
