Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed support for the ceasefire with Iran recently announced by U.S. President Donald Trump, acknowledging the significance of the agreement while emphasizing that Israel would respond decisively to any potential violations. Following the endorsement of the ceasefire, Trump urged both countries to uphold it as it commenced. He outlined a staged ceasefire plan, starting with a 12-hour halt in hostilities, followed by another complete cessation 12 hours later, labeling the ongoing conflict the “12 DAY WAR.” Iran indicated its willingness to participate in the ceasefire agreement.
In his statement, Netanyahu highlighted that Israel had alleviated two major existential threats: Iran’s nuclear capabilities and its ballistic missile program. According to Netanyahu, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) achieved significant military success, claiming full air superiority over Tehran, inflicting severe damage on Iranian military leadership, and targeting numerous key installations in the capital. He reported that in recent military operations, the IDF had targeted central government facilities in Tehran, eliminated hundreds of Basij operatives, and neutralized a senior nuclear scientist, marking these actions as crucial in securing Israel’s future.
Netanyahu expressed gratitude to both Trump and the United States for their vital role in countering the Iranian nuclear threat, declaring this development a monumental victory for Israel and its defense forces. The Israeli leader characterized the elimination of these threats as a guarantee for the long-term security of the nation. While he praised the military achievements, he urged Israeli citizens to adhere closely to the Home Front Command’s safety instructions until the ceasefire is confirmed effectively.
On the other side, Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi took a different stance, insisting on social media that no formal agreement existed regarding a ceasefire or halting military actions. He emphasized that unless Israel ceased its “illegal aggression” against Iran by a specified deadline, Iran would reserve the right to continue its military response. This declaration signaled Iran’s readiness to respond to Israeli moves, keeping the possibility of further escalations on the horizon.
In his follow-up comments, Araghchi indicated that Iran’s military operations were ongoing and would continue until the last possible moment of the stated ceasefire deadline. He expressed pride in the Iranian Armed Forces, applauding their resolve to defend the nation against external aggressions. Araghchi’s statements underscored the tensions that remained, suggesting that the situation was precarious and the announcement of a ceasefire might not lead to actual peace.
This development represents a critical point in the ongoing conflict, with both leaders navigating complex geopolitical realities. As the news breaks, further updates are expected, reflecting how the situation evolves following the ceasefire announcement and the potential for future clashes between Israel and Iran in this highly volatile region.
