Just hours after U.S. President Donald Trump declared a phased ceasefire between Israel and Iran on June 23, 2025, Israel reported being targeted by multiple waves of Iranian missile strikes. The attacks struck southern Israeli cities, killing at least four people and injuring several others, casting immediate doubt over the credibility and effectiveness of the proposed truce.
The Israeli military confirmed that air-raid sirens were activated across several cities, including Beersheba, where civilian casualties occurred. The sudden escalation came shortly after Trump’s statement on his Truth Social platform, where he claimed that Iran had agreed to stop military operations first, with Israel scheduled to follow suit 12 hours later. He characterized the ceasefire as “complete and total” and said he expected it to last “forever.”
However, Iran's response was far from aligned with this optimistic portrayal. Tehran did not issue any formal confirmation of a ceasefire agreement. Instead, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that Iran had not received an official proposal and insisted that Iran would continue to respond militarily if Israel’s actions persisted. He hinted at a potential pause in Iranian operations if Israel ceased its attacks by early morning Tehran time, but provided no firm guarantees.
As Iran's missiles landed in Israeli territory, Israel retaliated with airstrikes targeting multiple locations in Iran, including areas around Tehran. The reciprocal strikes further intensified tensions and undercut Trump’s ceasefire declaration. The Israeli defense system successfully intercepted several incoming missiles, but significant damage and civilian fear were reported on the ground.
The unfolding events have raised concerns about the effectiveness of Trump’s unilateral announcement, which appears to lack coordination or endorsement from either of the involved nations. International observers noted that Trump’s statement was not backed by formal documentation or diplomatic channels, and instead relied on informal communications reportedly facilitated by Qatar.
This latest wave of violence follows days of fierce conflict between the two nations, including U.S.-led strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities and Iran’s retaliatory targeting of U.S. military assets in the Middle East. Although no American casualties have been reported, the situation remains volatile and unpredictable.
Global markets responded immediately to Trump’s ceasefire news, with oil prices falling more than three percent. However, the resurgence of hostilities following the announcement has brought back uncertainty, suggesting that the conflict is far from over.
As the situation continues to evolve, the international community remains on edge. There is growing pressure for direct negotiations, verified commitments, and possibly third-party monitoring if any ceasefire is to hold. For now, the missile barrages following the ceasefire declaration highlight a dangerous disconnect between political announcements and realities on the battlefield.