One moment, Iran was calling for peace on live TV. The next, missiles filled the sky, sirens wailed, and civilians ran for cover. Four were killed in Beersheba. It didn’t feel like peace, it felt like a trap. At first, it looked like a mistake or misfire. But it wasn’t. It was intended. Like a magician distracting with one hand while the other does the real work, Iran delivered two messages to two audiences with one goal. Confusing? Absolutely. But in high-stakes power games, confusion isn’t a flaw, it’s the strategy. Here’s what really happened, and why it matters.
Trump Steps In to Broker a Ceasefire
On the evening of June 23, President Trump announced a ceasefire between Iran and Israel, declaring an end to what he called “THE 12 DAY WAR.” The announcement followed Iran’s missile strike on the Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar after U.S. forces hit Iranian nuclear sites. Trump leaned heavily on Qatari mediation while personally speaking with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu.
Behind the scenes, Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and envoy Steve Witkoff worked diplomatic channels with Iran. With all sides engaged, a phased ceasefire plan emerged. But the timing was key, and that’s where things unraveled.
Ceasefire Terms Set the Clock
The ceasefire was designed to roll out in phases. Iran would halt its strikes by 4:00 AM Tehran time on Tuesday, followed by Israel stopping its attacks 12 hours later at noon ET. The war would then be officially declared over at midnight Wednesday.
Both governments confirmed the deal: Israel said it had met its military goals, while Iran offered conditional agreement, only if Israel ceased what it called “illegal aggression.” The carefully timed schedule was meant to build trust, but trust quickly gave way to accusations as the first missiles began flying early Tuesday morning.
Iran Fires Missiles After Deadline Passes
Early Tuesday, Iran launched a wave of missiles at Israel, before and after the ceasefire deadline. Between 3:30 and 6:30 AM local time, Iran fired 12 missiles across six volleys. The deadliest hit came in Beersheba, where four civilians were killed and more than 20 injured when a residential building was struck.
Israel Hits Back Hard
In response, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz ordered new strikes on Tehran, citing a “complete violation” of the ceasefire. Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir confirmed the orders, promising a forceful retaliation against Iranian regime targets. Prime Minister Netanyahu’s office warned of further military action for any breach. Within hours, Israeli warplanes hit strategic locations in and around Tehran.
Some politicians praised the move, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich even declared “Tehran trembles.” While Israel framed its actions as justified defense, global observers questioned whether peace was ever seriously on the table. Trump’s reaction made that doubt even clearer.
The Fog of War: Conflicting Claims
Iran denied launching missiles, accusing Israel of continuing strikes well past the ceasefire start time. Israel insisted Iran violated the truce first. This clash of narratives reflects the confusion and mistrust that shrouded the ceasefire’s earliest moments. With each side blaming the other, the ceasefire’s durability remains uncertain, showing how fragile peace can be in such a volatile conflict.
Voices from the Ground: Hope Amid Devastation
Despite missile attacks and destruction, civilians voiced hope for peace. Iranians displaced by strikes expressed relief that fighting might end. Israelis who lost homes acknowledged the cost but wished for a fresh start. These personal stories highlight the human toll and the deep desire for calm beyond political maneuvers.
Trump Explodes Over Ceasefire Collapse
By Tuesday morning, Trump was visibly furious. Hours earlier, he had posted “THE CEASEFIRE IS NOW IN EFFECT. PLEASE DO NOT VIOLATE IT!” on Truth Social. Speaking to reporters before boarding Marine One, he slammed both sides: “They don’t know what … they’re doing.”
His sharpest criticism was reserved for Israel. “As soon as we made the deal, they dropped a load of bombs like I’ve never seen before,” he said. In an all-caps post, Trump warned Netanyahu: “BRING YOUR PILOTS HOME, NOW!” His language was raw, but it underscored a deeper concern, the ceasefire was collapsing fast.
The Stakes of the 12-Day War
This brief but intense conflict marked the most direct confrontation between Iran and Israel in decades. It began with surprise Israeli strikes on Iranian nuclear sites, followed by Iran’s missile retaliation. The stakes involved nuclear ambitions, regional power, and global alliances, making the ceasefire a delicate balance rather than a clear resolution.
Where Things Stand Now
By Tuesday afternoon, June 24, the ceasefire was effectively dead. Israel resumed military operations, citing Iranian violations. Iran’s Supreme National Security Council threatened a “firm and timely response” if further attacks continued. Though Israel allowed civilians to leave shelters, it urged them to stay close.
Diplomatic fallout is spreading: Trump departed for the NATO summit in the Netherlands, leaving the crisis in the hands of U.S. officials. Casualties are mounting, 24 Israelis dead and more than 800 wounded since June 13, while nine Iranians died in pre-ceasefire strikes on Gilan province. With tensions high and both sides blaming each other, the region teeters on the edge once again.
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