Tensions have sharply escalated between Israel and Iran just hours after U.S. President Donald Trump declared a ceasefire between the two countries. Israel has accused Iran of breaching the truce, vowing a forceful military response, a claim Tehran reportedly firmly denies.
“In light of the severe violation of the ceasefire carried out by the Iranian regime, we will respond with force,” said Eyal Zamir, Chief of the General Staff of the Israel Defense Forces, in a post on X.
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz echoed this, announcing he had ordered the military to strike targets in Tehran after what he described as Iran’s “blatant violation” of the U.S.-brokered ceasefire.
“In light of Iran’s blatant violation of the ceasefire declared by the President of the United States—through the launch of missiles toward Israel—and in accordance with the Israeli government’s policy to respond forcefully to any breach, I have instructed the IDF to continue high-intensity operations targeting regime assets and terror infrastructure in Tehran,” Katz stated.
Israeli officials said they detected missile launches from Iran after the ceasefire was supposed to take effect, prompting air raid sirens and orders for civilians to seek shelter. First responders reported that an Iranian missile hit the southern Israeli city of Beersheba, killing several people and injuring others.
Iran, however, has denied any violation. Iranian state media said the country had not fired missiles at Israel after the truce, and Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi insisted Iran would halt its retaliation if Israel stopped its attacks by 4 a.m. Tehran time. “There is NO ‘agreement’ on any ceasefire or cessation of military operations,” Araqchi wrote on X.
“However, provided that the Israeli regime stops its illegal aggression against the Iranian people no later than 4 a.m. Tehran time, we have no intention to continue our response afterwards”.
Earlier, both countries had indicated they would observe the ceasefire announced by President Trump, who posted on social media: “THE CEASEFIRE IS NOW IN EFFECT. PLEASE DO NOT VIOLATE IT!” But the truce quickly came under strain, with both sides trading accusations and fresh violence reported in the hours that followed.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel agreed to the ceasefire “in full coordination with President Trump” after achieving its military objectives, but warned that any breach would be met with force. The situation remains highly volatile, with the risk of further escalation looming over the region.
