Israel and Iran Agree to Ceasefire, Pledge No Nuclear Arms
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu hailed a historic victory on Tuesday, claiming his country's arch-foe Iran would never achieve a nuclear weapon, as both nations agreed to a ceasefire after 12 days of deadly air and missile strikes. The deal, which came after US President Donald Trump intervened with a phone call to Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, marked a significant shift in the decades-long shadow war between the two nations. While some Israelis welcomed the prospect of peace, others remained uncertain, and international leaders cautioned that the truce's sustainability was far from guaranteed.
Key Takeaways:
- The ceasefire between Israel and Iran marks a significant shift in the decades-long shadow war between the two nations.
- Netanyahu insisted that Iran would never achieve a nuclear weapon, claiming that Israel's strikes had set back Iran's nuclear programme "by years".
- The conflict, which began on June 13, resulted in at least 610 Israeli civilian casualties and over 4,700 wounded, with 28 killed in Iranian missile attacks on Israel.
- The US intervened in the conflict, hitting Iranian nuclear facilities with powerful "bunker-buster" bombs, before announcing the ceasefire deal with Iran.
- The top Iranian military official, Masoud Pezeshkian, assured the Iranian people that Iran's intentions were peaceful, stating that the country was not seeking to acquire nuclear weapons.
- Israeli forces reported that their operations against Iran had set back the country's nuclear programme, as well as its ballistic missile programme, by several years.
- Israeli and Iranian citizens alike expressed hope for a lasting ceasefire, but remained uncertain about the immediate prospects for peace.
Statistics:
- At least 610 Israeli civilians were killed in the conflict, with over 4,700 wounded.
- Iran's missile attacks on Israel resulted in 28 fatalities, according to official figures and local rescuers.
- US President Donald Trump announced that the US would extend the ceasefire for an additional week, pending further negotiations.
- Israeli forces said that their operations had set back Iran's nuclear programme by several years.
- The US military launched airstrikes on Iranian nuclear sites, utilizing massive "bunker-buster" bombs on Sunday.
Sources:
- Israel's Ministry of Foreign Affairs
- Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs
- The Jerusalem Post
- The New York Times
- AFP News Agency
- Emirate News Agency (WAM)
- TEHRAN TIMES