BEERSHEBA, Israel — After nearly two weeks of escalating violence, both Israel and Iran have agreed to a ceasefire plan initiated by U.S. President Donald Trump, following a final wave of hostilities that left multiple casualties and heightened tensions across the region.
The agreement came after a night of heavy exchanges between the two countries. Iran launched a series of missile attacks early Tuesday that struck targets in southern Israel, killing at least four civilians and injuring several others, according to Israeli emergency services. In retaliation, Israeli jets carried out widespread airstrikes across Iran, striking key military and government installations.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed the ceasefire, stating that the goals of Israel’s 12-day campaign had been accomplished. He claimed the operation had significantly weakened Iran’s missile capabilities and military leadership while asserting Israeli control over Iran’s airspace. Netanyahu warned that any violation of the truce would result in a strong Israeli response.
The final barrage from Iran hit the city of Beersheba, damaging multiple apartment buildings and causing widespread destruction. Rescue teams recovered several bodies and continued searching for survivors amid the debris. Authorities noted that even residents sheltering in reinforced rooms were injured by the powerful blasts.
The ceasefire reportedly went into effect at 7:30 a.m. local time, following a social media post from President Trump declaring: “THE CEASEFIRE IS NOW IN EFFECT. PLEASE DO NOT VIOLATE IT!”
However, Iran’s official stance remained unclear. While Iranian state media acknowledged the start of the ceasefire, top officials issued cautious statements. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi emphasized that Iran had not formally agreed to end military operations, but would consider halting further strikes if Israel ceased its attacks by 4 a.m. Tehran time.
According to Iran’s Human Rights Activists organization, Israeli strikes have resulted in over 970 fatalities and more than 3,400 injuries in Iran, with a significant portion of the victims being civilians. In Israel, the conflict has claimed at least 24 lives and wounded over 1,000.
The U.S. State Department confirmed that around 250 Americans and their families have been evacuated from Israel via government and chartered flights. An estimated 700,000 U.S. citizens, including dual nationals, are believed to be residing in Israel.
As the ceasefire holds for now, the region remains on edge, with international observers closely monitoring for any signs of renewed conflict.
