Jerusalem (AFP) – US President Donald Trump said a ceasefire between Iran and Israel was in force on Tuesday, urging both sides to “not violate it” on the 12th day of the war between the two arch-foes. “THE CEASEFIRE IS NOW IN EFFECT. PLEASE DO NOT VIOLATE IT!” he wrote on his Truth Social platform. The US leader had earlier said the truce would be a phased 24-hour process beginning at around 0400 GMT Tuesday, with Iran unilaterally halting all operations first. He said Israel would follow suit 12 hours later.
Israeli rescuers reported that four people were killed in an Iranian strike, after state media in the Islamic republic announced that waves of missiles were headed toward Israel. Neither Iran nor Israel have confirmed the agreement touted by Trump to end the conflict, which has killed hundreds in Iran and two dozen in Israel. Only hours before Trump’s latest announcement, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that “as of now, there is NO ‘agreement’ on ceasefire or cessation of military operations.” He added, “However, provided that the Israeli regime stops its illegal aggression against the Iranian people no later than 4 am Tehran time, we have no intention to continue our response afterwards.”
Israel’s army reported that sirens were activated in northern Israel just moments after Iran’s state broadcaster IRIB claimed a wave of missiles was on its way. At least four people were killed in the Iranian missile attack shortly before the staggered ceasefire announced by Trump was set to take effect, according to emergency services and the military. The Magen David Adom rescue service reported that three people were pronounced dead at the scene of a strike in the southern city of Beersheba, with a fourth confirmed in an update.
Explosions continued to disrupt Tehran overnight, with journalists describing blasts in the north and center of the Iranian capital as some of the strongest since the conflict began. A cessation of hostilities would be a considerable relief to world leaders, who are concerned that escalating violence could ignite a wider conflagration. The adversaries had been exchanging missile fire since Israel carried out surprise “preemptive” strikes against Iran on June 13, targeting nuclear and military sites, prompting Trump to warn of a possible “massive” regional conflict.
The US leader’s truce announcement came just hours after Iran launched missiles at the largest US military facility in the Middle East – Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar – a move Trump dismissed as “very weak.” Calling for de-escalation, Trump noted that Tehran had given advance notice of the missile barrage. Iran’s National Security Council confirmed that it targeted the base “in response to the US aggressive and insolent action against Iran’s nuclear sites and facilities.” However, it also stated that the number of missiles launched “was the same as the number of bombs that the US had used,” indicating a calibrated response rather than an escalatory one.
Ali Vaez, a senior advisor at the International Crisis Group, explained that “this was calibrated and telegraphed in a way that would not result in any American casualties, so that there is an off ramp for both sides.” The offensive followed the United States joining Israel’s military campaign against Iran, which included attacks on an underground uranium enrichment center and hitting two other nuclear facilities overnight from Saturday into Sunday. As international concern grew over Israel’s campaign and US strikes potentially igniting a wider conflict, French President Emmanuel Macron asserted that “the spiral of chaos must end,” while China warned of possible economic fallout.
Iran asserted that its assault on Qatar wasn’t directed at the neighboring country, but the government in Doha accused Tehran of “blatant aggression” and claimed its right to a “proportional” response. Iran’s state media reported that the Revolutionary Guard Corps announced six missiles had struck Al Udeid, which had been evacuated prior to the attack, according to Qatari sources. The missile strike consisted of “short-range and medium-range ballistic missiles,” a US defense official stated.
AFP reporters heard explosions in central Doha and in Lusail, north of the capital, on Monday evening and observed projectiles moving across the night sky. Images broadcast on state television showed crowds of Iranians in central Tehran celebrating, some waving the flag of the Islamic Republic and chanting “Death to America.” Qatar announced the temporary closure of its airspace due to “developments in the region,” while the US embassy and other foreign missions advised their citizens to shelter in place.
According to Iran’s health ministry, Israeli strikes on Iran have resulted in over 400 fatalities, while official figures indicate that twenty-four individuals have died from Iran’s attacks on Israel.
© 2024 AFP
