Israel-Iran Ceasefire: Struggles Amid Alleged Violations and Regional Tensions

June 24, 2025 – The fragile ceasefire between Israel and Iran, announced by U.S. President Donald Trump on June 23, 2025, is under strain as both nations have reportedly violated its terms, raising doubts about its sustainability. The agreement, intended to halt a 12-day conflict marked by intense airstrikes and missile exchanges, has been tested by ongoing military actions and diplomatic friction, with global powers and regional actors closely monitoring the situation.

Ceasefire Announcement and Immediate Fallout

On June 23, 2025, President Trump declared that Israel and Iran had agreed to a ceasefire following U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, including Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan. The U.S. intervention, described by Trump as a “spectacular military success,” aimed to curb Iran’s nuclear ambitions and de-escalate the conflict sparked by Israel’s initial attacks on June 13. However, within hours of the announcement, reports emerged of continued hostilities, casting doubt on the ceasefire’s effectiveness.

According to sources, Israel launched strikes on a single site in Iran, while Iran was accused of firing missiles toward Israel, prompting air raid sirens across the country. Trump expressed frustration with both nations, stating, “Neither country knows what the f— they’re doing,” and specifically criticized Israel for “unloading” after agreeing to the truce. Iran’s Foreign Ministry, however, denied launching missiles post-ceasefire, with Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi asserting that Iran would halt attacks if Israel ceased its airstrikes.

Iran’s Retaliatory Strike on U.S. Base

A significant escalation occurred on June 22, when Iran launched a limited retaliatory strike on the U.S. Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, targeting it in response to the U.S. bombing of Iranian nuclear sites. The attack, described as a “token retaliation,” caused no significant damage, and Iran signaled it was “done for now,” according to reports. Qatar condemned the violation of its sovereignty and airspace, with its Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoning the Iranian ambassador to lodge a formal protest. The strike briefly raised fears of a broader regional conflict, but oil prices, which had spiked due to concerns over the Strait of Hormuz, fell by 3.7% to $65.96 per barrel as the immediate threat subsided.

Regional and International Reactions

The ceasefire’s shaky implementation has drawn varied responses. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian emphasized Iran’s commitment to the truce, stating that Tehran would not break it unless Israel acted first, according to Nour news. Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who thanked the U.S. for its strikes on Iran, claimed Israel was close to achieving its goal of neutralizing Iran’s ballistic missile and nuclear programs. However, Israel’s continued strikes, including attacks on military infrastructure in Iran’s Kermanshah province, have been cited as violations of the ceasefire.

Internationally, the U.N. Security Council held an emergency session on June 21, with Russia, China, and Pakistan proposing a resolution for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire. U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned that the U.S. strikes marked a “perilous turn” in the region, urging a return to nuclear negotiations. Russia condemned the U.S. actions, and Iranian Foreign Minister Araghchi met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow on June 23 to discuss the crisis, highlighting Iran’s efforts to rally diplomatic support.

Challenges to the Ceasefire

The ceasefire faces multiple challenges. Israel’s ongoing operations, including strikes on Tehran and other Iranian cities, aim to destabilize the regime and target its nuclear and missile capabilities. Iran, while avoiding explicit vows of retaliation, has warned of “regrettable responses” through its Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). The conflict has also disrupted civilian life, with Israel restricting large gatherings and closing non-essential workplaces due to the threat of Iranian ballistic missiles, while Iran’s internet services remain severely disrupted, likely to control information flow.

The conflict’s toll is significant. Iranian missile strikes have caused extensive damage in Israel, including to the Soroka Medical Center in Beersheba and residential areas in Tel Aviv, wounding over 240 people. In Iran, protests against U.S. and Israeli strikes have erupted, and funerals for those killed in Israeli attacks underscore the human cost.

Global Economic Implications

The conflict’s impact on global oil markets remains a concern. Iran’s parliament voted to shut down the Strait of Hormuz in retaliation for U.S. strikes, prompting a 10% rise in Brent crude prices to $77 per barrel before the ceasefire announcement eased tensions. China, the largest importer of Iranian crude, relies heavily on the strait, importing 5.4 million barrels daily in early 2025, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration.

Is the Ceasefire Working?

As of June 24, 2025, the ceasefire is faltering. Reports of continued strikes by both Israel and Iran, coupled with Trump’s accusations of violations, suggest a lack of commitment to the truce. Diplomatic efforts, including European attempts to revive nuclear talks, have stalled, with Iran refusing to negotiate under attack. The absence of a clear exit strategy and the involvement of proxies like Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis, who condemned U.S. strikes, further complicate de-escalation.

Analysts express skepticism about the ceasefire’s longevity, noting that Israel’s strategic objectives—potentially including regime change in Tehran—may not align with a sustained truce. The U.S.’s role remains uncertain, with Trump indicating he will decide within two weeks whether to escalate American involvement.

Looking Ahead

The world awaits Iran’s and Israel’s next moves as the ceasefire hangs by a thread. With both sides accusing each other of breaches and regional powers like Qatar and Russia weighing in, the risk of renewed escalation looms large. The international community, particularly the U.N. and European mediators, continues to push for dialogue, but the path to lasting peace remains fraught with challenges.