International: A fragile but confirmed ceasefire has taken hold between Israel and Iran, with both nations acknowledging the truce after intense diplomatic interventions, primarily spearheaded by US President Donald Trump. The development comes as a significant, albeit precarious, relief for a region on edge following a fresh escalation of hostilities.
President Trump, utilising his social media platform Truth Social, issued a categorical directive for adherence to the new truce. “THE CEASEFIRE IS NOW IN EFFECT. PLEASE DO NOT VIOLATE IT! DONALD J. TRUMP, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES!” his post read, underscoring the urgency and the high stakes involved.
Earlier in the day, Tel Aviv had been rocked by a series of ballistic missile attacks from Tehran, prompting a temporary shutdown of Israeli airspace. While flights have since resumed, as confirmed by Reuters, the intensity of the assault highlighted the precarious security situation. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) reported successful pre-emptive strikes, claiming to have neutralised several Iranian missile launchers in western Iran that were reportedly primed for further offensives, potentially averting a larger crisis.
Despite the ceasefire now being in effect, the recent missile barrages did not pass without incident. Israeli emergency services confirmed a man in northern Israel sustained serious injuries while seeking cover in a bomb shelter during the attacks, a stark reminder of the human cost of the conflict.
Responding to accusations of ceasefire violations, Tehran clarified that its final round of missile fire occurred prior to the official commencement of the truce. Iranian authorities later confirmed their full compliance with the ceasefire, acknowledging the US-brokered intervention. The rapidly unfolding events underscore the delicate balance of power and the critical need for continued diplomatic engagement to ensure lasting de-escalation and prevent a wider regional conflagration.
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