A fragile ceasefire brokered by U.S. President Donald Trump between Iran and Israel continues to hold as of June 25, following 12 days of intense military conflict. The ceasefire agreement, which took effect late on June 24, has brought a temporary halt to hostilities that claimed hundreds of lives and threatened to destabilize the wider Middle East.
According to official estimates, the conflict resulted in the deaths of at least 610 Iranians and 28 Israelis, with both nations declaring a form of victory. Israel lifted its airspace restrictions, including at Ben Gurion Airport, while Iran also restored normal flight operations. Despite the ceasefire, mutual accusations of violations continue to surface, and President Trump has criticized Israel for a strike that reportedly occurred after the truce began.
The military confrontation had reached a critical point when Israel targeted Iranian nuclear facilities on June 13, killing senior Revolutionary Guard commanders and nuclear scientists. In response, Iran launched retaliatory missile strikes against Israeli territory. On June 22, the United States entered the conflict under Operation Midnight Hammer, deploying B-2 bombers and Tomahawk missiles against key Iranian nuclear sites, including Fordow and Natanz. While Trump claimed the nuclear program was destroyed, U.S. intelligence now believes the damage is temporary, with much of Iran's underground capabilities preserved.
The international community has turned its attention to the diplomatic aftermath. U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff described the ongoing peace talks with Iran as "promising," highlighting both direct and indirect negotiations aimed at reaching a more permanent resolution. A core objective of these discussions is to prevent Iran from advancing toward nuclear weapons capabilities, although Tehran maintains that its program is for peaceful purposes.
Meanwhile, regional tensions remain high. On June 23, Iran launched missiles at the Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, a key U.S. military installation. Qatar reported that all missiles were intercepted without casualties, but the attack prompted temporary airspace closures by several Gulf countries. Iran also launched a significant internal security crackdown, arresting more than 700 people accused of collaborating with Israel and executing three alleged Mossad agents.
The ceasefire has also impacted global markets. Oil prices fell by nearly 3 percent, with U.S. crude slipping to $66.80 per barrel, the lowest since mid-June. Global equities responded positively, but analysts warn that any breakdown in the ceasefire could quickly reverse gains.
As the world watches closely, the Biden administration faces a complex diplomatic balancing act. While the current ceasefire has paused direct combat, the road to a lasting peace remains uncertain. Continued dialogue, careful monitoring of ceasefire compliance, and broader regional engagement will be crucial in determining whether this fragile calm can evolve into enduring stability or collapse under the weight of unresolved tensions.