The fragile ceasefire between Israel and Iran collapsed almost as soon as it was announced, with Tehran launching missile strikes just hours after President Trump brokered a deal to end the 12-day war.
Just hours after President Donald Trump declared a full ceasefire between Israel and Iran, missile sirens wailed across Tel Aviv and Beersheba as Tehran launched six waves of attacks, killing at least three civilians.
The attacks marked a dramatic unraveling of a truce that had been publicly celebrated by Trump, who praised both nations for their “stamina and courage” in ending what he called “The 12 Day War.” But by early Tuesday morning, Iranian missiles were in the sky, and the ceasefire was effectively over before it even began.
Israel Caught Off Guard
According to Israeli military sources, the missiles landed in Beersheba, where emergency crews reported three fatalities — the first Israeli deaths since the ceasefire was announced late Monday. Explosions were also heard near Tel Aviv, and residents reported widespread panic and renewed calls to shelters.
Israeli officials had quietly signaled earlier in the day that they were preparing to end their campaign, having communicated that message to the U.S. However, the surprise attack from Tehran forced an immediate reassessment of those plans.
Iran’s Mixed Messaging
While a senior Iranian official confirmed that Tehran had agreed to a ceasefire earlier Monday, Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi issued a conflicting statement, warning that there would be no cessation unless Israel halted “illegal aggression.”
“The final decision on the cessation of our military operations will be made later,” Araqchi said on social media, suggesting Iran may have used the interim to launch one final offensive before any formal truce could begin.
The U.S. Role
President Trump had announced the ceasefire following a call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, claiming it was a done deal. “I would like to congratulate both countries… on ending what should be called ‘The 12 Day War,’” he posted on Truth Social.
But behind the scenes, U.S. diplomats — including Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio — were engaged in complex negotiations, both directly and through third-party countries like Qatar.
White House officials said the ceasefire was conditional on Iran not launching any further attacks. That condition was clearly broken by Tuesday.
Nuclear Fears and Retaliation
The conflict began after Israel, with U.S. support, bombed three of Iran’s nuclear facilities, claiming Tehran was close to building a nuclear weapon — a claim U.S. intelligence agencies have not publicly confirmed.
Iran’s missile retaliation appeared aimed at signaling strength without provoking all-out war. Still, Trump’s administration maintains the strikes crippled Iran’s nuclear ambitions, with VP Vance stating that “Iran is now incapable of building a nuclear weapon with the equipment they have.”
Despite that, tensions remain sky-high. Israel reportedly issued evacuation warnings for areas of Tehran on Monday night, and sirens were activated in the Golan Heights amid fears of further Iranian retaliation.
Global Reactions and Market Impact
Markets responded immediately to the ceasefire news — and its quick collapse.
- S&P 500 futures climbed 0.4% late Monday on optimism about de-escalation
- Crude oil prices fell, hitting a one-week low in early Tuesday Asian trading, as fears of long-term supply disruption eased
But the renewed violence could reverse those trends quickly if the conflict reignites fully.
Leo Cruz brings sharp insights into the world of politics, offering balanced reporting and analysis on the latest policies, elections, and global political events. With years of experience covering campaigns and interviewing world leaders, Leo ensures readers are always informed and engaged.
